Academic integrity in action research

Abstract

This article attends to how claims for rigor and relevance can be met in action research (AR). High degree of relevance emanates from the focus on solving pertinent problems. Academic integrity is introduced as the issue that is essential for shaping research of high rigor from AR, and it is conceptualized as the combination of formal (substantive and methodological) research skills, strategic political capacity, and the ethical and moral stature necessary to argue and act for seeking the best possible understanding (truth). The point of departure is a discussion of the critique that has been raised of AR, and the article suggests that through a discussion of what is the essence of social science research, the solution may be found in the formation process ‘Bildung’ of action researchers. The final sections of the article introduce four factors that would support high rigor in writing scientific texts for communicating research findings: research partnering; controlling biases; standardized methods; and alternative explanations. These factors would then secure trustworthy rigorous research and proper dissertations.