Analysis of Generative Mechanisms

Dados Bibliográficos

ID8075972
AutoresBjörn Blom (0000-0002-5867-234X, autor correspondente), Stefan Morén
Ano2011
Volume10
Fascículo1
Páginas60-79
Data de publicação2011-03-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Critical Realism (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1476-7430 • E-ISSN: 1572-5138
EditoraTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1558/jcr.v10i1.60
OpenAlexW1973682961
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas37
Referências citadas5

The focus of this article is the analysis of generative mechanisms, a basic concept and phenomenon within the metatheoretical perspective of critical realism. It is emphasized that research questions and methods, as well as the knowledge it is possible to attain, depend on the basic view - ontologically and epistemologically - regarding the phenomenon under scrutiny. A generative mechanism is described as a trans-empirical but real existing entity, explaining why observable events occur. Mechanisms are mostly possible to grasp only indirectly by analytical work (theory-building), based however on empirical observations. In order to achieve such an explanatory analysis, five methodological steps are suggested and discussed, among them abduction and retroduction. These steps are illustrated throughout by examples drawn from empirical research regarding social work practice. The article is concluded with a discussion of the need for knowledge of generative mechanisms.Keywords: abductionexplanationgenerative mechanismsretroductionsocial work

Epistemology · Generative grammar · Linguistics · Sociology · Critical Realism in Sociology · Psychology · Philosophy