A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research

“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
“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
“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  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

"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."

-- Robin J Smith * Qualitative Research *
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. -- Dr Clive Sealey * drupal *
Didn′t fit with course objectives but I am referring some students to it as a supplementary text. -- Dr Deborah O'Connor * drupal *
useful supporting text to accompany research methods teaching in HE -- Dr Hugh Lee * drupal *
A companion text to existing course book. Very accessible. -- Dr John Hedgcock * drupal *
A bit too specialised for our range of students -- Dr Karen Staniland * drupal *
Used with my doctoral candidates -- Dr Kelly Conn * drupal *
A book that can help the most seasoned research deal with fundamental issues in qualitative inquiry. -- Dr Leslie Gonzales * drupal *
This is an excellent text for research students who are using this methodology or want to read further around this type of qualitative method -- Dr Lyvonne Tume * drupal *
This is a good reference for the course but not comprehensive enough as a central text -- Dr MARILYN BRUIN * drupal *
This book is a great alternative for students who do not otherwise understand the dissertation process. -- Dr Paula Dawidowicz * drupal *
I didn′t find the author′s central thesis all that helpful. -- Dr Rich Starcher * drupal *
This is a book that I am recommending to doctoral students who are conducting qualitative studies. -- Dr Shirley Mills * drupal *
The text provided a clear account of the critical realist approach that I found very accessible. -- Mr Brian Critchley * drupal *
A very useful text for those interested in developing a deeper understanding of the realist approach to research. -- Mr Lee Sobo-Allen * drupal *
This is an excellent introduction to qualitative data analysis from a critical realist perspective. It might be slightly above the level of some students undertaking Masters level dissertations, but it is certainly an excellent resource for PhD students thinking of utilising the critical realist approach. -- Mr Michael Roy * drupal *
This is a really strong and thought provoking book. It challenges some basic assumptions of everyday research but also of core concepts such as culture or causation. -- Mr Noel Clycq * drupal *
This is a very useful text which offers and interesting addition to any research skills module. The realist approach is an easy concept for students to grasp -- Mr Patrick Hutchinson * drupal *
A sophisticated and nuanced text this is an important and helpful book -- Mr Robin Sen * drupal *
Very easy to read text bringing together philosophy and practice of qualitative research.

Just what I was looking for in my PhD! -- Ms Maria Parks * drupal *
I′ve given feedback on this book but it keeps appearing in my list of books awaiting feedback.
Basically I agreed this was a worth while companion to the author′s Qualitative Research Design but there was inevitable overlap; if you think a Critical Realist approach is for you this book is well worth reading. -- Ms Sue Watling * drupal *
I already had Joseph’s Maxwell’s Qualitative Research Design and was expecting some overlap – which there was but this is inevitable. The focus on critical realism was a useful adjunct for my own research and I would have no hesitation in recommending this to students also interested in taking a critical realism approach to qualitative research projects. If they already had some experience of Qualitative design I’d say go straight for this one. It stands well on its own. -- Ms Sue Watling * drupal *
A bit too specific for an introductory course -- Professor Nancy Ares * drupal *