An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of home ownership and marriage: for Housing Studies students

An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of home ownership and marriage: for Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly explain the three layers of reality in critical realism."

The reply: "Critical realism posits three layers of reality:

1. Real Domain: This layer consists of underlying structures and mechanisms that exist independently of our perceptions and beliefs. It includes both the material and social conditions that shape reality.

2. Actual Domain: This layer refers to the events and phenomena that occur in the real domain. It encompasses things that happen, including both observable events and those that occur outside of direct observation but are still influenced by the underlying structures.

3. Empirical Domain: This layer includes the experiences and interpretations of individuals. It encompasses the way people understand and make sense of the events and phenomena in the actual domain, shaped by their perceptions, knowledge, and cultural contexts.

Together, these layers highlight the distinction between what exists, what occurs, and how we perceive and interpret reality."

My question 2: "With reference to the topic of "the Hong Kong gen z singles' views on the relatedness between home ownership and marriage in 2025", please suggest 2 research methods to study each of the layers of reality (critical realism), and then briefly discuss how each of the research method findings can inform the understanding of the three layers of reality in this case."

The reply: "To study the topic of "the Hong Kong Gen Z singles' views on the relatedness between home ownership and marriage in 2025," the following research methods can be employed for each layer of reality in critical realism:

1. Real Domain

Method 1: Surveys

• Description: Distribute structured questionnaires to a large sample of Gen Z singles in Hong Kong to collect quantitative data on their views regarding home ownership and marriage.
• Informed Understanding: Findings can reveal general trends and correlations (e.g., the percentage of respondents who associate home ownership with marriage) and provide insights into underlying societal structures (e.g., economic conditions, housing market dynamics).

Method 2: Policy Analysis

• Description: Analyze existing housing and marriage policies in Hong Kong to understand how they impact behaviors and perceptions among Gen Z.
• Informed Understanding: This method sheds light on the structural factors influencing Gen Z attitudes toward home ownership and marriage, revealing how institutional frameworks shape personal aspirations and societal norms.

2. Actual Domain

Method 1: Interviews

• Description: Conduct in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of Gen Z singles to gather qualitative insights into their personal experiences and narratives related to home ownership and marriage.
• Informed Understanding: Findings can illustrate how actual events (e.g., buying a home, attending weddings) inform personal beliefs and expectations, providing context for the broader statistical trends observed in surveys.

Method 2: Case Studies

• Description: Select specific individuals or groups to conduct case studies focusing on their decisions regarding home ownership and marriage.
• Informed Understanding: Case studies provide rich contextual detail on how individuals' backgrounds, experiences, and social networks influence their views, linking actual experiences to both personal and societal dynamics.

3. Empirical Domain

Method 1: Focus Groups

• Description: Organize focus group discussions with Gen Z singles to explore their views and perceptions about the relationship between home ownership and marriage in a collaborative setting.
• Informed Understanding: This method captures the nuances of personal beliefs, shared attitudes, and cultural narratives, revealing how peer influence and collective dialogues shape individual perspectives.

Method 2: Social Media Analysis

• Description: Analyze social media discussions and trends related to home ownership and marriage among Gen Z in Hong Kong.
• Informed Understanding: Findings can highlight the contemporary discourse, showcasing popular sentiments, memes, and narratives that inform how Gen Z perceives these issues, reflecting the impact of digital culture on their views.

Summary of Insights

• Real Domain Findings: Surveys and policy analyses provide a macro-level understanding of the economic and structural factors influencing Gen Z's views on home ownership and marriage.

• Actual Domain Findings: Interviews and case studies offer a deeper exploration of personal narratives and societal contexts, illustrating how these factors manifest in daily experiences and decisions.

• Empirical Domain Findings: Focus groups and social media analyses reflect the immediate perceptions and collective beliefs of Gen Z, providing a snapshot of how social dynamics and cultural narratives shape their understanding of home ownership and marriage.

Together, these methods create a comprehensive picture of the relationship between home ownership and marriage from multiple angles, aligning with the critical realist framework."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.

An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of job stress: for MBA students

An example of studying the three layers of reality (critical realism) on the topic of job stress: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly explain the three layers of reality in critical realism"

The reply: "Critical realism distinguishes three layers of reality: the real, the actual, and the empirical. These layers help outline how the world is understood beyond mere observation.​

The Real Domain

• The real layer includes all structures, mechanisms, and powers that exist—known and unknown—regardless of whether they are observed or produce an event.​

• This domain forms the basis of causality and is the source of what occurs in the world.​

The Actual Domain

• The actual domain consists of events and phenomena that occur as a result of the mechanisms in the real domain, regardless of whether anyone is there to observe them.​

• Not all real mechanisms result in actual events, but all events originate from real mechanisms.​

The Empirical Domain

• The empirical domain is made up of human experiences and observations of events within the actual domain.​

• This includes what people see, feel, and record, and represents the subjective encounter with reality.​

Each layer builds upon the previous, highlighting that reality in critical realism is more complex and structured than simple observation or experience alone."

My question 2: "With reference to the topic of "the middle-managers' experience of work stress in the five-star hotels of Hong Kong", please suggest 2 research methods to study each of the layers of reality (critical realism), and then briefly discuss how each of the research method findings can inform the understanding of the three layers of reality in this case."

The reply: "To study "middle-managers' experience of work stress in the five-star hotels of Hong Kong" using critical realism, two research methods can be suggested for each layer of reality: the real, the actual, and the empirical. Each method provides insights into different aspects of reality and helps build a comprehensive understanding of work stress in this context.​

Studying the Real Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Documentary analysis of organizational structures and policies (e.g., HR manuals, hotel management protocols).​

  • Expert interviews with industry specialists or senior management to identify causal mechanisms behind work stress (e.g., inherent power imbalances, job role expectations).​

• Informing understanding:

  • These methods help reveal the underlying mechanisms and structural attributes (like policies and hierarchical organization) that have the potential to generate work stress, even if their effects are not immediately observable.​

Studying the Actual Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Observation of workplace practices and interactions (e.g., shadowing managers during peak periods, team meetings).​

  • Event logging or analysis of stress-related incidents or records (e.g., records of absenteeism, staff turnover, workplace complaints).​

• Informing understanding:

  • These techniques provide data about what events and behaviours actually occur as manifestations of structural mechanisms, regardless of whether anyone records or notices them at the time.​

  • They show how often stress-related phenomena happen, reflecting the activation of underlying mechanisms in practice.​

Studying the Empirical Domain

• Suggested methods:

  • Surveys or questionnaires for middle managers on their perceived stress levels and sources of stress in daily work.​

  • In-depth interviews or focus groups with managers about their personal experiences of stress and coping strategies.​

• Informing understanding:

  • These methods collect direct accounts and perceptions, providing insight into the observed and experienced dimension of work stress.​

  • They reflect what managers feel, notice, and report, helping connect actual workplace phenomena to lived experiences and interpretations.​

By triangulating findings from each layer, critical realism enables a richer understanding: structural causes (real), how stress manifests (actual), and how it is subjectively experienced (empirical). This method helps develop more effective interventions by addressing root mechanisms, workplace events, and individual perceptions together."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.