在批判理論的知識論基礎下，其相對應的三種方法論：行動研究、參與式研究及參與式行動研究，已被廣泛的運用在護理的各個領域，它們有相似的研究原則和價值觀，使用相同的資料收集方法，以致於三者名詞常被交互使用，但它們在起源發展和意識型態上不同，期望達成的結果和研究方法也不盡相同，因此名詞常被錯誤的互用。本文透過論述，期望讓護理研究者區辨這三種相似的方法論，並且根據所關注的健康照護議題及研究目的，正確地選擇方法論及其相對應的名詞。

　　　　　Action research, participatory research, and participatory action research methodology adopting critical theory as epistemology for knowledge development have been applied in diverse nursing specialties. They share similar research principles and values, and employ the same data collection methods. For these many scholars use the terms interchangeably. However, their developmental origins and ideological backgrounds are different, as are their expected outcomes and research methods. The terms have therefore been misused. This paper is intended to enhance researchers' ability to distinguish between the similar methodologies and to apply research methodology and related terms appropriately to the relevant issues of health care.