The problem of praxis to a large extent causes the crisis of public administration theories. Action theory paradigm, as an epistemology that attempts to bridge the gap between research and practice, has been introduced into public administrative research. However, the current research on the epistemology of the action theory paradigm and its characteristics in public administration is insufficient. The details of operational methods are emphasized, while the specific characteristics of this epistemology are blurred. In this regard, the design of methods does not always match the epistemology or administrative research questions. This problem gradually becomes prominent. It hinders the development of action research in China. Focusing on the basic assumptions of theoretical praxis, this paper reviews the epistemological logic of action theory paradigm and compares its differences from positivism. This review will clarify some basic guidelines for following action research.

公共行政学研究的应用性价值不足是造成公共行政学学科危机的根源之一。行动研究范式作为倡导基于行动实践推进研究、弥合研究和实践鸿沟的知识体系也被引入到行政管理研究之中。然而，学界对行动研究范式哲学认识论及其在公共行政中的应用特点的研究存在失衡现象，对于操作方法的介绍多，对于知识论和行政学特质的分析少。这使得方法、知识论、和行政学研究问题三者存在脱节的现象，给中国行政学推进行动研究埋下隐患。本文围绕知识应用性的主线，梳理对比了行动研究范式的知识论逻辑及其与实证主义的差异，尝试为后续行动研究提供方向参考。