How the object of knowledge constrains knowledge of the object. An epistemological analysis of a social research investigation
发展了一种理论社会认识论，提出“关系实在论”，通过案例研究揭示知识对象对知识过程的五种约束，有助于社会科学研究者理解认识论与实证分析的关系。
A theoretical social epistemology, arguing for a 'relational realism', is developed as part of the internal work of the research process in a social science investigation. It is suggested that theorising the nature of knowledge interactions is fruitful both in developing an epistemology of the discipline and in enhancing theoretical analysis of empirical research. The paper argues that five different aspects of object constraints emerge from the case study: structural characteristics (the 'maze'); relations of force internal to the object; boundaries between knowledge systems; relations of scale; and 'interference' generated by knowledge instruments.