Qualitative research, particularly educational research, are subject to discussion nowadays due to the pressure of whether to join diffuse research models, subject to the logic of supply and demand, or to become tools of social transformation. In this article we situate this conflict and we provide arguments in favor of overcoming a diffuse research by another that is characterized by its commitment character and its emancipatory capacity. We analyze the importance of the participation of the people involved in the investigated reality, and we provide reasons to rescue from oblivion the action research approach.