Applying Meta-Theory to Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Research
A Discussion of Critical Realism and Heart Failure Disease Management Interventions Research
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 2410686 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Saleema Allana (0000-0002-8052-8299), Alexander M Clark (0000-0002-2860-0492), Alexander Clark (0000-0002-9479-1055) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication date | 2018-12-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Qualitative Methods (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1609-4069 • E-ISSN: 1609-4069 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1177/1609406918790042 |
| OpenAlex | W2888218629 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 11 |
| References cited | 26 |
Meta-theory refers to broad perspectives, which make claims regarding the nature of reality. Meta-theories philosophically underpin research and practice. Despite this centrality of meta-theory to research and practice, research studies seldom have a strong articulated philosophical basis. There are persuasive philosophical arguments for invoking meta-theory in qualitative and mixed-methods research. We argue that selecting and applying a particular meta-theory is a matter of personal expression and historicity. In this article, we describe the meta-theory of critical realism (CR), which underpins our research around complex heart failure disease management interventions. CR posits that reality is mind independent and views this reality via a stratified ontology. Its explanatory focus, generative logic, multifactorial and open systems approach, and its openness to a variety of methods make it a viable meta-theory for research in a variety of disciplines, utilizing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. CR hermeneutics, ethnographies, grounded theories, mixed-methods studies, and critical realist reviews follow the meta-theoretical assumptions of CR; these are extremely useful in exploring complex interventions holistically, including their components, contexts, and mechanisms
Critical realism (philosophy of perception · Epistemology · Grounded theory · Metatheory · Philosophy of medicine · Qualitative research · Realism · Social science · Sociology · Variety (cybernetics · Computer Science · Critical Realism in Sociology · Management and Organizational Studies · Medicine · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Artificial Intelligence · Philosophy
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The contributions of scientific realism and critical realism to realist evaluation
Retroductive Theorizing
Exploring the Self-Care Experiences of Adults With Heart Failure in Australia
Critical realist perspectives on the urban growth system
Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research
Getting Real About Critical Realist Interviewing
Does theory influence the effectiveness of health behavior interventions? Meta-analysis.
Use of qualitative methods alongside randomised controlled trials of complex healthcare interventions
The Reality of Social Construction
Realism and Social Science
Explaining Society
Critical Realist Grounded Theory
Realist RCTs of complex interventions - An oxymoron
A critical realist approach to understanding and evaluating heart health programmes
A Tale of Two Ontologies
Using Qualitative Research for Complex Interventions
| Citations per year | 2.2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2021 - 2026 (6) |
| Highly cited | No |