41 3. Fundamental principles of an action-research partnership approach P. Gasselin and P. Lavigne Delville Action research in partnership (ARP) proposes a specific way of linking researchers to action via the mobilization of a group of stakeholders, researchers, and other actors. This linkage is based on the four criteria (Liu, 1992) mentioned in Chapter 1, “Action research in partnership:” – A combination of a research intent (researchers) and a will to change (non-researchers); – A dual objective of resolving users’ problems and of advancing basic knowledge; – A joint effort by researchers and other stakeholders; – An ethical framework negotiated and accepted by all. Six major principles stemming from these four criteria characterize the ARP approach. They are quickly outlined in this chapter before being explored in detail in the following ones. Major crises and possible derailments that can result during the implementation of an ARP are presented at the end of this chapter. Incorporating research into action As already pointed out in Chapter 1, “Action research: from its origins to the present” (page 23), real-world action is conducive to knowledge discovery and production. ARP involves itself with action by aiming for a balance between knowledge production, problem resolution, and learning. This approach creates a structure for the entire process and leads to the emergence of a collective actor who helps define the issue and the problem-set, controls and directs the activities, and evaluates and monitors the approach. Producing contextualized knowledge The aim of research is to produce rigorous knowledge which is generic to some extent. On the one hand, research is based on a dialog and