In other words, data are equivalent to squiggles upon a page and with no inherent meaning. We devise the interpretation. And one person's interpretation is therefore as good as another's. People and objects and activities. The people have bodies and opinions and feelings.
Most action research is intended to act upon that world of people and objects and activities.
I don't personally think we are free to impute whatever meaning we wish to our research situation. At least, not if we wish the subsequent actions of ourselves and our co-researchers or informants to achieve the outcomes we desire. Copyright Bob Dick 1998-2000.