Critical Realism and ICT4D Research

Abstract

There is little overt engagement with research paradigms in ICT4D research but what there is shows a dominance of positivism and interpretivism. In this paper we explore the value of a "third way" research paradigm: critical realism. We concisely review the main features of critical realism: its ontological realism combined with epistemological relativism; its iterative, pluralist and reflexive methodology; and its emancipatory values. Alongside the general value of explicit use of any research paradigm, we argue two particular types of value of critical realism for ICT4D research. First, generic values including exposure of context, a contingent causality that reflects real-world ICT4D experiences, legitimisation of different stakeholder views and reduction of research bias, and support for ICT4D's interventionist approach and its goal of delivering international development. Second, specific value in addressing current trends in ICT4D research: the growing search for causal links between "ICT" and "D", and the political and ethical turns in ICT4D that are spurring researchers to engage more with issues of power, rights and justice. We conclude that delivery of critical realism's utility will require the ICT4D research community to take actions that enable this emergent research paradigm to flourish.

Developing a comparative framework of ICT4D initiatives in the global South: A critical realist approach

“…Based on our analyses so far using critical realism, we believe it has the ability to push research to go beyond labeling any particular project as a complete success or a failure based on any specific criteria. As Heeks and Wall () suggest, critical realism can assist in comprehending and explaining multiplicities of outcomes (successes or failures) within ICT4D. We believe such inclusivity offered by critical realism can be used in developing a comparative framework for seemingly similar technology‐driven initiatives across diverse communities, with the goal of achieving better understanding and efficient knowledge sharing.…”

“…This may be problematic in one context but is particularly likely to lead to problems when such narrow approaches are replicated in a different global South context. As Heeks and Wall () point out, critical realism's triangulated approach forces consideration of multiple stakeholder perspectives and encourages consideration of multiple methodologies. It can therefore offer a wider analytical view that can expose ICT4D projects that have taken too‐narrow or too–context‐specific an approach.…”

“…Previously used positivist and interpretivist approaches each have their own limitations (Walsham & Sahay, ). Indeed, it has been claimed that such approaches have unique difficulties when applied to the field of ICT4D (Heeks & Wall, ). The need for a more robust philosophical framework for use within the ICT4D field is therefore clear.…”

Four steps to identify mechanisms of ICT4D: A critical realism‐based methodology

“…The claim is that critical realist researchers can transcend interpretation and explain the situations they research (Easton, ). Based on the above discussion we suggest turning to critical realism as an appropriate philosophy for studying ICT4D and as a means to investigate the real connections between ICT and D (see also Heeks & Wall, ).…”

Explaining trust in large biometric infrastructures: A critical realist case study of India's Aadhaar project

“…Rooted in the work of Bhaskar (; ), critical realism aims to construct solid causal explanations of phenomena, seeking to reconcile the dichotomy between the main tenets of positivism and interpretivism (McGrath, ; Smith, ). The ontology of critical realism admits the existence of an objective reality, but its epistemological relativism (Heeks & Wall, ) implies that our knowledge of it can only be partial and subjective (Easton, ; Sayer, ). With its sharp focus on causality, critical realism has strong potential to generate the type of explanatory theory that is needed in ICT4D.…”