Does Realism Make a Difference?

Jeane W. Anastas
Ehrenkranz School of Social Work
New York University
1 Washington Square North
New York NY 10003
212/992-9711
FAX: 212/995-4172
jwa1@nyu.edu
 
Mansoor A. F. Kazi
School of Human & Health Sciences
University of Huddersfield
Harold Wilson Building
Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH
England
MansoorKazi@aol.com
Those who discuss epistemology in social work are often challenged to explain why they spend time on philosophical issues rather than on the methods and the doing of quality social work research. This workshop will demonstrate the differences that one epistemological position, realism, makes to the actual conduct of research and evaluation (Manicas & Secord, 1983; Manicas, 1989; Pawson & Tilley, 1997). First, the basic tenets of realism will be explicated: (1) the independence thesis; (2) the importance of the coherence between evidence and explanation; (3) the contextual nature of all knowledge; (4) the relationship between the researcher and the researched; and (5) the role of values and professional purposes in research. These principles affect many aspects of research design as well as the conduct of research, including methodological choices. They also profoundly affect the rhetoric used to describe research findings.
 
These core concepts that differentiate a realist epistemology from others will be illustrated with specific examples from social work. Specifically four in-depth examples of evaluation research where practitioners have used this paradigm to evaluate not only the outcomes of interventions but also the mechanisms that produce the outcomes will be presented. Practitioners can thus determine what works for whom and in what contexts, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The examples will be drawn from criminal justice, family work, sexual harm, and substance misuse.
 
Initially, presentations by the workshop leaders will be used to present the realist position and the specific studies that will be discussed. Then participants will be invited to consider how their own research might be conducted from the realist standpoint, with discussion from the group as a whole.