Critical realism: Explaining causal mechanisms that underpin events, entities, and (inter)actions in coaching

This chapter provides an overview of the key principles of critical realism (CR). Critical realism is an increasingly diverse school of thought and has recently seen growing implementation in the sport coaching literature base. Despite this, CR as an umbrella term has frequently been used to critique other philosophical positions and has, itself, been critiqued by these other positions. Often, these arguments talk past one another and/or set up a “straw person” (i.e., somewhat unfairly critique or misinterpret other positions) to make way for their own claims. Some central clarifications and distinctions are therefore offered that seek to redress misconceptions and misrepresentations of this philosophical position, especially when compared to other positions. After first outlining the key ontological and epistemological assumptions of critical realism, the chapter then presents implications of these for sport coaching research. Finally, a worked example of critical realist sport coaching research is provided to bring some of the concepts discussed to life. It is hoped, then, that this chapter will serve as a useful tool for others to think with and reflect upon, irrespective of their philosophical stance.