The following statements describe a research approach: the nature of reality is external to the human mind; the focus is on a critical view of reality; the purpose is to find universals; the accepted method is essentially the scientific method; and it is nearer to the inductive approach. Which approach is this?

The described approach is post-positivism, which holds reality is external yet can only be grasped through a critical view, seeks universals by the scientific method and leans toward induction.

Positivism treats reality as fully and objectively knowable rather than only critically apprehended.

A deductive approach reasons from theory to observation and is not defined by these features.

An experimental approach is a design, not the broad philosophical stance described here.

Post-positivism accepts that observation is theory laden and knowledge is fallible.

It succeeded classical positivism as a more cautious realist philosophy of science.