This paper looks at how key elements of Habermas' discourse ethics and his theory of communicative action can be employed as a theoretical framework for researching practice. The framework operationalises the three frames of reference identified by Habermas in the theory of communicative action - the objective, the social and the subjective - against which the adequacy of truth claims can be tested. In addition, the three principles guiding discourse ethics - individual rights, social solidarity and the 'common good' - are incorporated into the framework. The elements provide the underlying orientation for an investigation into practice. The implications of using this framework to establish the methodology of research projects on aspects of educational practice are then explored, using some examples. The framework implies a pluralistic approach to methodology in that one's focus within the framework implies different ontological and epistemological concerns. This pluralism is linked in the paper to metatheory in the social sciences, with the argument that different theoretical perspectives and hence methodologies are required to establish truth claims in different parts of the framework. Methodological pluralism is then linked back to Habermas' own use of different perspectives such as phenomenological sociology and systems theory for different elements of his theory of communicative action. Finally, the implications of the framework for research on practice are considered. works of Habermas and other social theorists on metatheory that the framework has great power and potential as an organising construct for theorising research issues and developing project methodology (selected) Habermas, J. (1984) The Theory of Communicative Action, Vol 1: Reason and the Rationalisation of Society, London: Heinemann Habermas, J. (1987a) The Theory of Communicative Action, vol 2: Lifeworld and System: a critique of Functionalist Reason, Cambridge: Polity Habermas, J (1987b) The Philosophical discourse of modernity, Cambridge: Polity Habermas, J. (1990) Moral Consciousness and Communicative Action, Cambridge: Polity Ritzer, G. (2001) Explorations in Social Theory; from metatheorising to rationalisation, London: Sage Schutz, A., (1970), On Phenomenology and Social Relations, selected writings, ed. Wagner, H, R, Chicago: University of Chicago Press Schutz, A., (1972), The Phenomenology of the social world, London: Heinemann national or international