Application of critical realism in social work research: Methodological considerations

INTRODUCTION: Critical realism (CR) provides a unique and robust philosophical framework for social work researchers by attending to the role of individual agency structure; however, little practical guidance is available regarding how ontology epistemology CR can be applied as methodological qualitative research. APPROACH: In this article, we explain what in relation other ontological epistemological positions provide some suggestions CR-informed research drawing on relevant examples from study that examined causes trust among Korean migrants Aotearoa New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest three-layered map justifies use series data-coding processes identify preliminary tendencies at surface layer empirical reality, abductive reasoning formulate ideas about observed are connected middle actual reality retroductive inference causal mechanisms or structures key conditions embedded deeper real produce certain experiences under study.