This paper briefly re-examines the historical conditions that permitted the emergence of methodological approaches that question the relation between researcher and the act of researching. And proposes a comparison between the purposes of action research and intervention research. Sustained on theoretical contributions from the institutionalist movement and philosophy of difference, it indicates the notion of analysis of implication as the key concept that allows a more nuanced approach to the debate. In line with Lourau's thinking, it defends the idea that what confers scientific status to research work is the consideration of the whole set of conditions that encompass the act of researching.
intervention research; analysis of implication; qualitative research methodology
