Research as a Tool for Change? : Towards a methodology for action-oriented environmental research, learning from case study methodology and action research

• In many studies on environmental sustainability, research is combined with initiating action. This approach differs from the more traditional natural-sciences view of research. However, the potential problems of the action orientation are seldom reflected upon. The aim of this paper, is to discuss pitfalls as well as possibilities and to propose a methodology for action-oriented Environmental Research. Comparisons with methodologies for Action Research (AR) and case studies are made. Experiences from a previous study on environmental practice in two Swedish residential areas are also used. The results of the discussion indicate several problems, and some of these could be overcome.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Action research (AR)

Action-oriented environmental research

Environmental research (ER)

Environmental sustainability

Housing

Participatory action research (PAR)

Research methodology

Research strategy

Sustainability research

Tragedy of the commons

Civil engineering and architecture

Samhällsbyggnadsteknik och arkitektur

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)