Realist Tools for Better Evaluation and Evidence Synthesis

Realist evaluation is a rapidly developing method for undertaking ‘theory-based’ evaluation. In this approach, evaluations are oriented towards developing, testing and refining programme theories, or models that explain how and why interventions, policies and programmes generate the impacts they set out to achieve. Realist evaluation and its counterpart in systematic reviews, realist synthesis, draw on a set of powerful analytic and conceptual tools that can generate impact and understanding. In this short course, we will explore the foundations of realist evaluation and realist synthesis, and experiment with developing our own realist-informed programme theories.

Learning Objectives:
1.  Describe principles of realist ‘thinking’ in evaluation and synthesis.

2.  Understand how a realist evaluation works and what it aims to achieve.

3.  Understand how a realist synthesis works and what it aims to achieve.

4.  Develop building blocks of realist evaluation and synthesis

5.  Generate realist programme models to guide evaluation and synthesis