A Realistic Approach for Quality Research / Edition 1

by Joseph A. Maxwell

Overview

This ground-breaking book makes the case for adopting a realist philosophical perspective for qualitative research. Joseph Maxwell argues for critically applying a realist ontology to a number of important theoretical and methodological issues. This can provide a stronger justification for what qualitative researchers do, he contends, and significantly contribute to current theories and practices. The book outlines critical realism and considers its implications for how we conceptualize meaning and culture, causation, and diversity. The author applies critical realist ideas and approaches to the design and methods of qualitative research, and presents two in-depth case studies of projects he conducted, describing how realist (and other) perspectives informed the research, the methods, and the conclusions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761929239
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	11/15/2011
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Joseph A. Maxwell is a Professor (Emeritus) in the College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, where he taught courses on qualitative and mixed methods research. He is the author of Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (3rd ed.; SAGE, 2013), A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research (SAGE, 2012), and papers on qualitative and mixed methods research, program evaluation, sociocultural theory, Native American societies, and medical education. He has a Ph D in anthropology from the University of Chicago.

Table of Contents

Preface: The Value of Realism for Qualitative Research vii

Acknowledgments x

About the Author xiii

Part I A Realist Stance for Qualitative Research l

Chapter 1 What Is Realism, and Why Should Qualitative Researchers Care? 3

Chapter 2 Meaning and Culture Are Real 15

Chapter 3 Causation Is Real 33

Chapter 4 Diversity Is Real 49

Part II Realism and Qualitative Methods 69

Chapter 5 The Realities of Research Design 71

Chapter 6 Research Relationships and Data Collection 93

Chapter 7 Real and Virtual Relationships in Qualitative Data Analysis (with Barbara Miller) 109

Chapter 8 Understanding, Validity, and Evidence 127

Part III Applications of Realism in Qualitative Research 149

Chapter 9 Explaining Plains Indian Social Organization 151

Chapter 10 Meaning and Diversity in Inuit Kinship and Culture 155

Conclusion 181

References 183

Author Index 205

Subject Index 211

Editorial Reviews

This book is well-written and clearly argued, and does a good job of connecting what are often arcane philosophical issues with the more practical concerns of carrying out qualitative research.

Sam Porter

This timely text could at last get us to the tipping point where realistapproaches enter the mainstream of qualitative research. They have gainedwidespread acceptance by philosophers but continue to be regarded withsuspicion by the dominant tribe of constructivist qualitative researchers. Maxwell provides a convincing case that realism helps to resolve many of theproblems they face without deserting cherished aspects of constructivism.

Colin Robson

The information presented is novel. It serves to advance current epistemological thinking in the area of qualitative research. It is the only book I’m aware of that links issues of epistemology and ontology so directly with qualitative methodologies.

Marianna L. Litovich

"This is a book that should be read by qualitative researchers at any stage of their career and by those critical of the qualitative and realist approach to social science, such is the manner in which Maxwell introduces, negotiates and analyses key issues in research methodology. "

Qualitative Research - Robin J Smith

Maxwell's book is an outstanding accomplishment. He has connected a tremendous amount of past and present knowledge in it. His reading and integration cuts across multiple disciplines. I especially like the discussions of causation, ‘validity’, and the methodological significance of viewing culture as distributed."

Burke Johnson