@inproceedings{116f5e66acdc454d84ae20df452335e8,
title = "Combining Pragmatism and Critical Realism in ICT4D Research: An e-Resilience Case Example",
abstract = "ICT4D research is strongly oriented to practice but hardly ever explicitly uses the research paradigm of pragmatism. We argue that, though highly-relevant to ICT4D, pragmatism suffers some shortcomings in terms of its philosophy of the world, explanatory power, truth-testing, and values. We suggest that {"}pragmatist-critical realism{"} - a novel research paradigm combining pragmatism and critical realism - can address these shortcomings and provide a valuable foundation for ICT4D research; particularly action-oriented research. We outline a four-step operational methodology for pragmatist-critical realism based on a research project that created an {"}e-resilience{"} action plan applying ICTs to strengthen resilience of farming communities in Uganda. We hope other action- and design-oriented ICT4D researchers will be encouraged to assess whether pragmatist-critical realism could form a useful basis for their future research.",
keywords = "Critical realism, ICT4D, Methodology, Pragmatism, Resilience",
author = "Richard Heeks and Ospina, {Angelica V.} and Wall, {P. J.}",
year = "2019",
doi = "10.1007/978-3-030-19115-3_2",
language = "English",
isbn = "9783030191146",
series = "IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology",
publisher = "Springer Nature",
pages = "14--25",
editor = "Petter Nielsen and Kimaro, {Honest Christopher}",
booktitle = "Information and Communication Technologies for Development",
address = "United States",
note = "15th International Conference on Social Implications of Computers in Developing Countries, ICT4D 2019 ; Conference date: 01-05-2019 Through 03-05-2019",
}