Which of the following is a key characteristic of realism in research?

A key characteristic of realism in research is the assertion that a single measurable reality exists. Realism posits that there is an objective reality that can be observed and measured, independent of individual perceptions or beliefs. This perspective agrees that social phenomena can be studied in a way that reflects their inherent properties rather than subjective interpretations of those properties.

In the context of research, this means that the goal is to uncover these objective truths through empirical methods, ensuring that findings can be replicated and validated across different studies. This focus on a singular reality leads to a more structured approach in hypothesis testing and data collection, suggesting that researchers can arrive at dependable conclusions about the world as it is rather than how individuals interpret it subjectively.

The other options refer to frameworks that lean towards relativism or constructivism, which emphasize subjectivity and the coexistence of multiple truths, differing fundamentally from the premise of realism that prioritizes an objective understanding of reality.