Critical Realism

Definition

Critical realism is a philosophical approach that combines a realist ontology with a constructivist epistemology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying structures that shape social phenomena while acknowledging that our knowledge of these structures is always mediated by social contexts and human perspectives. This perspective posits that reality exists independently of our perceptions, but our understanding of it is influenced by our experiences and interpretations, creating a balance between objective truths and subjective interpretations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Critical realism emerged as a reaction against positivism, which strictly emphasizes observable phenomena and denies the existence of unobservable entities.
2. It advocates for a layered understanding of reality, distinguishing between the real (underlying structures), the actual (events that occur), and the empirical (observations made by researchers).
3. Critical realism recognizes that while there are objective truths in reality, our knowledge is always partial and subject to revision based on new evidence or perspectives.
4. The approach is particularly influential in social sciences, where it seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind social events rather than merely describing them.
5. Critical realism supports mixed-methods research, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.

Review Questions

• How does critical realism challenge traditional positivist views on knowledge and reality?
  • Critical realism challenges traditional positivist views by asserting that reality exists independently of our perceptions while acknowledging that our understanding of this reality is influenced by social contexts. Unlike positivism, which relies solely on observable data and dismisses unobservable phenomena, critical realism emphasizes the importance of exploring underlying structures and mechanisms that shape social events. This nuanced approach allows for a richer understanding of both objective realities and subjective interpretations.
• In what ways does critical realism contribute to mixed-methods research in social sciences?
  • Critical realism contributes to mixed-methods research by advocating for the integration of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a comprehensive view of complex social phenomena. By recognizing that different methods can illuminate different aspects of reality, critical realism encourages researchers to explore both the underlying structures (through qualitative insights) and observable events (through quantitative measures). This multifaceted approach enables a deeper exploration of social issues and fosters richer analyses.
• Evaluate how critical realism can inform the interpretation of research findings in the context of social phenomena.
  • Critical realism informs the interpretation of research findings by emphasizing the need to understand both the observable outcomes of social phenomena and the hidden structures that influence them. Researchers using this framework can analyze not only what happened but also why it happened by considering the broader context and underlying mechanisms at play. This critical engagement allows for more robust conclusions and acknowledges that knowledge is provisional, encouraging ongoing inquiry and adaptation based on new insights.

Related terms

Ontology:

The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of being, existence, and reality; it addresses what entities exist and how they can be categorized.

Epistemology:

The study of knowledge and justified belief, focusing on the nature, sources, limitations, and validity of what we know.

Social Constructivism:

A theory that emphasizes the role of social processes in the development of knowledge, suggesting that understanding is constructed through interactions within social contexts.