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Complex critical realism: tenets and application in nursing research
Alexander M Clark1, Sue L Lissel, Caroline Davis
1Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Alex.clark@ualberta.ca
Aim:
To outline the main tenets of critical realism (CR), its use, and future application in nursing.
Background:
Little work has been done to discuss how CR can be applied to nursing research.
Findings:
The tenets of CR include recognition of reality independent of human perceptions, a generative view of causation in open systems, and a focus on explanations and methodological eclecticism using a postdisciplinary approach. Critical realism is useful for (1) understanding complex outcomes, (2) optimizing interventions, and (3) researching biopsychosocial pathways. Such questions are central to evidence-based practice, chronic disease management, and population health.
Conclusions:
Critical realism is philosophically strong and potentially useful for nursing research.
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