Praxis as a conceptual framework for participatory research in nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Philosophy of Science
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Praxis is a concept frequently invoked in nursing scholarship.
• Existing frameworks may not fully address the unique needs of participatory research.
• The intellectual history of praxis offers a foundation for activist and collaborative scientific endeavors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive a conceptual framework for participatory nursing research from the concept of praxis.
• To provide guidance for conducting and assessing the quality of participatory nursing research.
• To establish researcher accountability to study populations within a praxis model.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis drawing on the intellectual history of praxis.
• Integration of Marx and Freire's definitions of praxis.
• Identification of components specific to participatory research tasks.
• Review of epistemic considerations to justify a praxis-oriented framework.

Main Results:

• A conceptual framework for participatory nursing research grounded in praxis is presented.
• The framework offers methods for guiding research and assessing project quality.
• It ensures researcher accountability to the communities involved in the study.
• Epistemic justifications for praxis-based research are established.

Conclusions:

• A praxis-oriented framework can effectively guide participatory nursing research.
• This approach promotes activist, collaborative, and constructive scientific practices.
• The framework enhances the quality and accountability of research involving study populations.