This methodological paper reflects on the way in which nursing research has developed along similar lines to research in education. It focuses on the emergence of action research as an example of collaborative research within the practice discipline of nursing. Action research is placed in the framework of new paradigm research and questions concerning its scientific merit are addressed along with its idealistic value to nursing. Drawing on issues raised during the collection of data for a PhD study which examined a changing ward culture, I hope to share some methodological concerns about the use of action research as a means of changing practice.