How the object of knowledge constrains knowledge of the object. An epistemological analysis of a social research investigation

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.