critical realism critical realist

“The critical realism is critical because researchers accept that their investigations are fallible, and stress the importance of a critical examination of values and facts. For critical realists, knowledge is gained through neither induction nor deduction but by a process of explanation of a phenomenon at deeper levels. As we gain knowledge, we constantly revise previous knowledge and understsandings.” (Hartas, 2010, p.41)

Patomaki and Wight (200:224, as cited in Hartas, 2010) summarize critical realism as:
– An ontological realism (there is a reality,, which is differentiated structured and layered, and independent of mind)
– An epistemological relativism (all beliefs are socially produced and hence potentially fallible)
– A judgemental rationalism (despite epistemological relativism, it is still possible, in principle, to provide justifiable grounds for preferring one theory over another)

Reference
Hartas, D. (2010). Educational research and inquiry: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. London: Continuum International Publishing Group.