Critical Realism vs. Post-Positivism

Attribute	Critical Realism	Post-Positivism
Ontology	Believes in an external reality that exists independent of human perception	Believes in a single objective reality that can be studied through empirical observation
Epistemology	Emphasizes the importance of both empirical observation and theoretical reasoning	Values empirical evidence and scientific methods in the pursuit of knowledge
Methodology	Advocates for a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative research	Primarily relies on quantitative methods and experimental designs
Focus	Focuses on uncovering the underlying structures and mechanisms that influence observable phenomena	Focuses on testing hypotheses and making predictions based on empirical data

Introduction

Critical Realism and Post-Positivism are two prominent philosophical paradigms that have been widely used in social science research. While both paradigms share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their ontological and epistemological assumptions. In this article, we will compare and contrast the attributes of Critical Realism and Post-Positivism to provide a better understanding of their implications for research.

Ontology

Critical Realism posits that there is an objective reality that exists independently of human perception. It argues that this reality is structured and has causal mechanisms that can be uncovered through scientific inquiry. In contrast, Post-Positivism acknowledges the existence of an external reality but emphasizes the limitations of human perception and the need for multiple perspectives to understand this reality. Post-Positivism also recognizes the role of social constructions in shaping our understanding of the world.

Epistemology

Critical Realism advocates for a critical stance towards knowledge, arguing that our understanding of reality is always partial and fallible. It emphasizes the importance of uncovering underlying structures and mechanisms that govern social phenomena. Post-Positivism, on the other hand, adopts a more skeptical view of knowledge, highlighting the role of biases and subjectivity in the research process. It calls for a cautious approach to knowledge claims and the need for empirical evidence to support theories.

Methodology

Both Critical Realism and Post-Positivism emphasize the importance of empirical research in social science. However, they differ in their approach to methodology. Critical Realism advocates for a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to uncover the underlying structures and mechanisms that shape social phenomena. Post-Positivism, on the other hand, tends to favor a more positivist approach that relies on quantitative data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses.

Agency and Structure

Critical Realism emphasizes the dialectical relationship between agency and structure in shaping social reality. It argues that individuals have the capacity to act and make choices within the constraints of social structures. Post-Positivism, on the other hand, tends to focus more on the role of social structures in shaping individual behavior. It highlights the importance of understanding the broader social context in which individuals operate.

Value Neutrality

Both Critical Realism and Post-Positivism grapple with the issue of value neutrality in social science research. Critical Realism argues that researchers should be transparent about their values and biases, acknowledging that these can influence the research process. It calls for reflexivity and critical self-awareness in conducting research. Post-Positivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the need for objectivity and impartiality in research, advocating for the separation of facts from values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Critical Realism and Post-Positivism offer distinct perspectives on the nature of reality, knowledge, and methodology in social science research. While Critical Realism emphasizes the importance of uncovering underlying structures and mechanisms, Post-Positivism highlights the limitations of human perception and the role of social constructions in shaping our understanding of the world. Researchers should carefully consider the ontological and epistemological assumptions of these paradigms when designing their research studies to ensure the rigor and validity of their findings.