What are the theory and practices of critical realism?

Critical realism is a philosophical approach that seeks to understand the relationship between the real world and human knowledge. It posits that while our perceptions of reality are socially constructed and influenced by cultural contexts, there exists an objective reality independent of our perceptions. The theory emphasizes the importance of both empirical observation and theoretical interpretation, advocating for a methodology that recognizes the complexities of social phenomena. Practices of critical realism often involve mixed methods research, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to explore deeper causal mechanisms and structures that shape social realities.