This work is a clear, jargon-free introduction to the practice and theory of critical realism in the social sciences. The book emphasises the importance of concept formation, and suggests techniques for this in the social sciences. Methodological principles are presented as part of a practical model for an explanatory social science. In order to relate theory and empirical observations, the authors stress developing and applying abstract theories of social structures and mechanisms. The book reveals that the question is not what (...) type of method is best, but rather what different methods can do, and how can they be combined. (shrink)

This chapter maps the terrain of thematic analysis, a method for capturing patterns across qualitative datasets. We identify key concepts and different orientations and practices, illustrating why TA is often better understood as an umbrella term, used for sometimes quite different approaches, than a single qualitative analytic approach. Under the umbrella, three broad approaches can be identified: a “coding reliability” approach, a “codebook” approach, and a “reflexive” approach. These are often characterized by distinctive – sometimes radically different – conceptualizations of (...) what a theme is, as well as methods for theme identification and development, and indeed coding. We then provide practical guidance on completing TA within our popular approach to TA, discussing each phase of the six-phase approach we have developed in relation to a project on men, rehabilitation, and embodiment. We conclude with a discussion of key concerns related to ensuring the TA you do – within whatever approach – is of the highest quality. (shrink)

As a discipline, social work needs an inclusive meta-theory for both research and practice that goes beyond positivism and constructivism. This is the first book to present and discuss how critical realism can contribute to a more useful and realistic approach to both research and practice in social work. As a theory of science that includes normative theories and emphasises method-pluralism and holistic thinking, critical realism is applicable to a world of poverty, global health problems and social conflicts. Contributors to (...) this book present a realist perspective on social work. The connection between critical realism and social work is illuminated through a theoretical introduction in Part One. Part Two covers the specific topics of normativity, interdisciplinarity and education. Part Three presents practical/empirical examples from contemporary research in social work, using different approaches based on critical realism. As critical realism can contribute to a useful and realistic approach to research and practice, this book is essential reading for professionals, academics and students working in different fields of social work and healthcare. (shrink)

ABSTRACTThis article explains the implications and benefits of founding transdisciplinary collaborations of knowledge production in critical realism. We call such equal partnerships of researchers and practitioners knowledge alliances. Drawing on the distinction between the referent to which we refer and our references, we show that practitioners can contribute to the process of knowledge production by providing access to referents and producing references but also by achieving societal relevance. In order to accomplish excellence, knowledge production should be organized in ways that (...) engage different types of knowledge in a constructive interplay and use the respective strong points of researchers and practitioners. Abduction and retroduction, two modes of inference vital to critical realism, are particularly inclined to benefit from involving practitioners in knowledge production. We call such an approach potential-oriented and put... (shrink)