A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research
- Joseph A. Maxwell - George Mason University, VA
Qualitative Research (General)
In contrast to interpretive or constructivist positions, realism supports the insights of critical theory in social and educational research regarding the relationships between actors' perspectives and their actual situations, while avoiding the epistemological objectivism associated with positivism and some forms of post-positivist empiricism.
This book will explain how readers can use realism to conceptualize and conduct their qualitative study to get results with greater validity.
Used with my doctoral candidates
This is a book that I am recommending to doctoral students who are conducting qualitative studies.
This is a good undergraduate introduction to the realist position, which has good examples that students should find useful. Worth a read also for those just interested in research methodology and philosophy.
A book that can help the most seasoned research deal with fundamental issues in qualitative inquiry.