ABSTRACT
Social realists emphasise – correctly in my opinion – the closely interwoven nature of research activity and theory (broadly defined). Research practice and theory can be considered separately. However, researchers who undervalue or ignore theoretical and indeed philosophic engagement are, according to realist precepts, likely to generate impoverished findings and, contrariwise, theorists who distance themselves from the real-world applicability of their ruminations may produce work of limited use value. It can therefore be a mistake to disaggregate or pull apart research practice from theoretical considerations.
