Critical realism theory

Acronym
CR

Alternate name(s)
NA

Main dependent construct(s)/factor(s)
1.	System use

2.	System success

3.	User satisfaction

4.	Intention to use the system

5.	Perceived net benefits from using the information system

6.	Trust

Main independent construct(s)/factor(s)
1.	Systems quality

2.	Information quality

3.	Service quality

4.	Control techniques

5.	Implementation factors

6.	Implementation success

Concise description of theory
Critical realism theory states that the theory of knowledge, or epistemology, is different form a theory of being, or ontology. There is a reality which exists independent of its human conception. Critical realists believe that there are unobservable events which cause the observable ones; as such, the social world can be understood only if people understand the structures that generate such unobservable events. This is important in the experimental context, because it allows the scientist to distinguish between the event and what causes it. According to this theory, an individual conducting an experiment creates the conditions necessary for the experiment (observable event), but the results are caused by the underlying laws and mechanisms (unobservable events). The critical side of this theory arises from the identification of epistemic fallacy – the idea of analyzing ontological statements in terms of epistemological statements. Epistemic fallacy is caused by a failure to recognize a difference between ontology and epistemology. The realism side of the theory focuses on the existence of real mechanisms which shape events.

“A central idea of CR is that natural and social reality should be understood as an open stratified system of objects with causal powers” (Morton, 2006). There are three strata, according to the theory: domains of real, actual, and empirical. Domains of empirical include observable experiences. Domain of actual includes actual events which have been generated by mechanisms. Finally, the domain of real includes the mechanisms that have generated the actual events.

The critical realism theory can be applied to social science as well as natural science. However the applications of this theory in social science are different from the natural. Culture and society are generated by human activities; so society is continuously changing due to the dynamic nature of human actions. As such, there is a mutually influential relationship where humans shape the society, which in its turn affects human activities. Unlike natural laws, rules of culture and society are not universal but applicable only in a certain location and time. Furthermore, social structures are open and cannot be artificially controlled in a laboratory type setting. Therefore the critical realism theory does not have any predictive power, and the theory is used for its explanatory benefits only. Critical theory requires a deep understanding of any social situation, going beyond the observable and investigating the mechanisms behind any event. The focus of the theory is on ex-post explanations, as opposed to ex-ante predictions. As such the major application of this theory in research is explaining the complex social events and ruling out any other potential explanations. In information systems, critical realist theory primarily can be used to study how information is used by organizations and measure the perceived net benefits from using an information system.

Diagram/schematic of theory


Recreated from Mingers and Willcocks (2004)

Originating author(s)
Roy Bhaskar

Seminal articles
Archer, M. S. (1998). Critical realism: Essential readings. Critical realism – interventions. London: Routledge

Bhaskar, R. (1978) A Realist Theory of Science, Hemel Hempstead: Harvester

Bhaskar, R.(1998) The possibility of naturalism: a philosophical critique of the contemporary human sciences, Routledge, London (1998).

Originating area
Philosophy

Level of analysis
Individual, group and organizational

IS articles that use the theory
Dobson, P., Myles, J., & Jackson, P. (2007). Making the case for critical realism: Examining the implementation of automated performance management systems. Information Resources Management Journal, 20(2), 138

Fox, S. (2009). Applying critical realism to information and communication technologies: A case study. Construction Management and Economics, 27(5), 465.

Min Khoo, H., & Robey, D. (2007). Deciding to upgrade packaged software: A comparative case study of motives, contingencies and dependencies. European Journal of Information Systems, 16(5), 555.

Mingers, J. (2001). Combining IS research methods: Towards a pluralist methodology. Information Systems Research, 12(3), 240

Mingers, J., & Willcocks, L. (2004). Social theory and philosophy for information systems. John Wiley series in information systems. Chichester, West Sussex, England: J. Wiley.

Mingers, J. (2004). Paradigm wars: Ceasefire announced who will set up the new administration? Journal of Information Technology, 19(3), 165.

Morton, P. (2006). Using critical realism to explain strategic information systems planning. JITTA : Journal of Information Technology Theory and Application, 8(1), 1.

Mutch, A. (1999). Critical realism, managers and information. British Journal of Management, 10(4), 323-333

Reed, M. I. (2001). Organization, trust and control: A realist analysis. Organization Studies (Walter De Gruyter GmbH & Co.KG.), 22(2), 201

Riemenschneider, C., Armstrong, D., & Moore, J. (2009). Meeting the demand for IT workers: A call for research. European Journal of Information Systems, 18(5), 458.

Links from this theory to other theories
Critical systems thinking theory, transcendental realism theory, and critical naturalism theory (the last two theories were combined by Bhaskar to develop critical realism).

Original Contributor(s)
Alex Lyubimov, University of Central Florida Please feel free to make modifications to this site. In order to do so, you must register. Return to Theories Used in IS Research