This book review discusses *A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research* by Joseph A. Maxwell, a 2012 publication that offers a balanced perspective between qualitative and quantitative research. The reviewer, Jérémie Bouchard, highlights the book's value for researchers seeking to understand complex social processes without oversimplifying or overcomplicating. Maxwell's approach is grounded in critical realism, which combines a realist ontology (what reality is) with a constructivist epistemology (how we understand reality). This approach challenges the notion of pure objectivity in research and emphasizes that all knowledge is partial, incomplete, and fallible. Maxwell argues that social research should integrate both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. He critiques the tendency in empirical research to focus on uniformity and overlook diversity, especially in applied linguistics. The reviewer notes that many studies in applied linguistics, such as those on nihonjinron and EFL education in Japan, often rely on limited empirical tools like questionnaires and interviews, leading to generalized conclusions. Maxwell's book is structured into three parts: an introduction to realist social research, an exploration of qualitative research methods, and two case studies applying critical realism. The reviewer finds Maxwell's approach particularly relevant for applied linguistics, as language use is not just cognitive but also social. He emphasizes the importance of considering social contexts in language learning research and the need for a richer interpretative approach. The reviewer also highlights Maxwell's insights into diversity, arguing that social diversity is fundamental to social organization. He contrasts this with the uniformity model that dominates much social research. The review concludes by recommending Belz's work, which applies a realist approach to telecollaboration, as a valuable example of realist research in applied linguistics. Overall, the reviewer finds Maxwell's book insightful and motivating for qualitative research, advocating for a realist approach that distinguishes between ontology and epistemology to better understand social reality.This book review discusses *A Realist Approach for Qualitative Research* by Joseph A. Maxwell, a 2012 publication that offers a balanced perspective between qualitative and quantitative research. The reviewer, Jérémie Bouchard, highlights the book's value for researchers seeking to understand complex social processes without oversimplifying or overcomplicating. Maxwell's approach is grounded in critical realism, which combines a realist ontology (what reality is) with a constructivist epistemology (how we understand reality). This approach challenges the notion of pure objectivity in research and emphasizes that all knowledge is partial, incomplete, and fallible. Maxwell argues that social research should integrate both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena. He critiques the tendency in empirical research to focus on uniformity and overlook diversity, especially in applied linguistics. The reviewer notes that many studies in applied linguistics, such as those on nihonjinron and EFL education in Japan, often rely on limited empirical tools like questionnaires and interviews, leading to generalized conclusions. Maxwell's book is structured into three parts: an introduction to realist social research, an exploration of qualitative research methods, and two case studies applying critical realism. The reviewer finds Maxwell's approach particularly relevant for applied linguistics, as language use is not just cognitive but also social. He emphasizes the importance of considering social contexts in language learning research and the need for a richer interpretative approach. The reviewer also highlights Maxwell's insights into diversity, arguing that social diversity is fundamental to social organization. He contrasts this with the uniformity model that dominates much social research. The review concludes by recommending Belz's work, which applies a realist approach to telecollaboration, as a valuable example of realist research in applied linguistics. Overall, the reviewer finds Maxwell's book insightful and motivating for qualitative research, advocating for a realist approach that distinguishes between ontology and epistemology to better understand social reality.