Files and links (2)
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Thinking like a critical realist: getting through the portal
Journal of critical realism, Vol.24(1), pp.56-75
10/02/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Education Publications
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
Critical realism has a reputation for requiring substantial intellectual commitment and time to gain understanding, and being difficult to operationalize as an empirical research methodology. Our paper employs the theoretical framework of 'threshold concepts' to explore these issues. We illustrate the five qualities of 'threshold concepts' using existing literature by scholars describing their journey of engagement with critical realism. We then apply the framework from three viewpoints. First, we offer the perspective of a budding critical realist scholar who transforms their understanding through reflexivity. Second, we consider the role of critical realist communities of practice, peer-to-peer and social learning. Finally, we look from the standpoint of a more experienced critical realist academic advisor or supervisor working with a student. The paper concludes by asking: what kind of learning and teaching frameworks of engagement can the critical realist community build to better support apprentice critical realists?
Details
- Title
- Thinking like a critical realist: getting through the portal
- Creators
- Catherine Hastings - Macquarie UniversityKaren Sheppard - University of QueenslandAngela Davenport - ABU Rehabilitation (New Zealand, Auckland)
- Publication Details
- Journal of critical realism, Vol.24(1), pp.56-75
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 20
- Identifiers
- 991013260100702368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article