Explain what is meant by the realist approach to research

The realist approach to research is a hybrid of both the positivist and interpretivist approach to research, as the majority of social researchers engage in methodological pluralism whereby they utilize multiple rsearch methods to produce both qualitative and quantitative data. The realist approach recognises the need to interpret people's actions (agency) with qualitative data and the need to measure social structures and trends and patterns with quantitative data.