The development of Critical Realism (CR), as a philosophy of science, is generally attributed to a series of books by Roy Bhaskar. It has proven to be influential, not least because it has an affinity with many people's views about the way the world fits together, both within and outside of academia. Whilst there are numerous contributions outlining CR theory in sociological and organizational research, as well as general texts about realist ontology, work delineating the consequences of these views for research practice is an emerging area of interest. This book aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing a practical guide to the application of CR in empirical research projects. More specifically, it explores the methodological consequences of committing to a CR ontology-the assumptions that researchers from this tradition make about the nature of reality. These assumptions are important because ontological commitments, which relate what we believe exists, often affect our epistemological concerns, which relate to our beliefs about how whatever exists can be studied and known. Thus, for a researcher, ontology and epistemology are important because they have consequences for the possibilities and limits of the research methods, techniques, and analyses that they employ. The book explains what CR is and outlines the logic of research design. In a series of chapters on major social science research methods, purpose-written by experts in the relevant technique, the book contains extended illustration of how to conduct inquiry using CR.

'This is the most stimulating, thorough, in-depth work on empathy as originated and developed by Carl Rogers within client-centred therapy and the person-centred approach that a reader will find. It provides a rigorous look at empathic understanding, with practical case illustrations throughout. 'What a 'cornucopia' of offerings are provided in this book. The quotes and extracts from Rogers are always to the point, and explorations of the concepts rich and original, each amplifying, yet not changing, Carl's meanings. This book has a unique format and style, merging tradition with innovation and whimsy. It is both intellectually stimulating and very personal. I was delighted with the wit, humour, and plays on words. When compared with the reductionistic, stereotypic depiction of Rogers' work in so many previous texts outside the Person Centred Approach community, this book is a breath of fresh air. I believe Steve has guided us with elegance and insight, wisdom and compassion, towards deeper understandings of the genius and profundity of Carl Rogers' work and his principles. While the audience for this book might best be considered to be those in training as therapists, or students using the book as a university text, it will also be most helpful for practitioners who want to review and renew a deeper understanding of Rogers' approach. Potential clients, in seeking a safe haven for their deep explorations, may also profit greatly from this book as a guide in their search.' Gay Leah Barfield in her Foreword

The development of Critical Realism (CR), as a philosophy of science, is generally attributed to a series of books by Roy Bhaskar. It has proven to be influential, not least because it has an affinity with many people's views about the way the world fits together, both within and outside of academia. Whilst there are numerous contributions outlining CR theory in sociological and organizational research, as well as general texts about realist ontology, work delineating the consequences of these views for research practice is an emerging area of interest. This book aims to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing a practical guide to the application of CR in empirical research projects. More specifically, it explores the methodological consequences of committing to a CR ontology-the assumptions that researchers from this tradition make about the nature of reality. These assumptions are important because ontological commitments, which relate what we believe exists, often affect our epistemological concerns, which relate to our beliefs about how whatever exists can be studied and known. Thus, for a researcher, ontology and epistemology are important because they have consequences for the possibilities and limits of the research methods, techniques, and analyses that they employ. The book explains what CR is and outlines the logic of research design. In a series of chapters on major social science research methods, purpose-written by experts in the relevant technique, the book contains extended illustration of how to conduct inquiry using CR.