Methods in realist evaluation: A mapping review.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Evaluation Methodology

Background:

• Realist evaluation is a popular methodology focused on understanding intervention mechanisms and contextual conditions.
• It aims to explain why, for whom, and under what circumstances interventions are effective.
• This approach is theory-driven and method-neutral, allowing for diverse data collection techniques.

Approach:

• This review maps the methods employed in realist evaluation studies.
• It analyzes findings to draw lessons and propose future directions.
• The study identifies common practices and areas for development in realist evaluation.

Key Points:

• Qualitative methods, particularly interviews, are most frequently used in realist evaluations.
• Theory is often insufficiently integrated with the methods and sampling strategies.
• Innovative data collection methods are underexplored in current realist evaluation research.

Conclusions:

• Four key areas for advancement are proposed: developing realist surveys, exploring innovative methods, enhancing attention to sampling procedures, and strengthening the theory-driven nature of methods.
• Implementing these action points can significantly improve the practice and outcomes of realist evaluation.
• Strengthening the theoretical underpinnings and methodological diversity can enhance the explanatory power of realist evaluations.