Action Research and its Use in E-Collaboration Inquiry

Abstract

This chapter begins with a discussion of action research from a historical perspective. It then puts forth some ideas on how this research approach can be used in investigations of the design or e-collaboration technologies and the impact of those technologies on people. This is followed by a discussion of key epistemological considerations, including that of whether action research can be conducted in a positivist manner. The chapter then summarizes two special issues of journals, on information systems action research, which provide scholarly illustrations of some of the arguments presented here. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of how action research can be used by doctoral students investigating e-collaboration issues.