Bringing together leading theorists, researchers and policy makers with expertise in using realist methods, this book is a definitive guide to putting realist methodologies into practice.

With expanded coverage of Fleck and a new section on 'Transformations of the Medical Profession', this updated Third Edition provides students with a sociologically-focussed and theoretically informed introduction

With a grounding in both theory and practice, this book focuses on the use and consumption of case studies to show readers the value and effectiveness of using this research method for their projects.

A comprehensive overview of the fundamental philosophical and methodological problems characteristic of the social sciences, as well as the main approaches and schools of thought within the discipline.