The processes of knowledge production are a central element in the mechanisms of governmentality of contemporary societies. In this context, the social sciences are progressively incorporated into population management strategies producing an homogenization of thought that operates from unified academic productivity criteria. The question of the validity of critical research and intervention guides us to address the perspectives, ways of doing and relationships that can characterize what we call the exercise of critical research-action. An exploration that serves as a framework for discussion of the articles that appear in the current issue of Universitas Psychologica.