Realism and Psychological Science

The book argues that realism is a viable metatheoretical framework for psychological science, distinguishing between ontology and epistemic access to reality and providing a clear distinction between science as a critical activity and traditional methodologies and theories. It suggests that academics, professionals, and researchers in psychology should consider situating their scholarly work in a realist metatheory to avoid the pitfalls of traditional methodologies and theories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 151 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The book presents a compelling argument for realism as a viable metatheoretical framework for psychological science. By examining various forms of realism, including scientific realism, critical realism, situational realism, and Ferraris' new realism, a comprehensive realist perspective of science is outlined that can serve as a metatheory for psychological science. Realism serves as a crucial corrective to the mythical portrayal of science, perpetuated by various dichotomies and polarities within psychology. These dichotomies, such as the quantitative-qualitative divide, the scientist-practitioner polarity, and the positivist-constructionist opposition, feed off and maintain a mythic image of science at various levels of practice, methods, and metatheory. Realism distinguishes clearly between ontology and epistemic access to reality, with the latter aligning well with softer versions of constructionism, while the former grounds science in resistance and possibility, loosely translated as criticism. By viewing science as a critical activity, the quantitative imperative loses its defining force as a hallmark of science, as it provides epistemic access to certain aspects of reality. Furthermore, essential critical activities characteristic of various qualitative approaches can be recognized as legitimate forms of science.

Academics, professionals, and researchers in psychology would greatly benefit from adopting a realist metatheory as it enables them to avoid the limitations of traditional methodologies and theories. By positioning their scholarly work within a realist framework, psychologists can enhance their understanding of the world, develop more effective interventions, and contribute to the advancement of psychological science.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030451455
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020