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Using Realist Interviews to Improve Theory on the Mechanisms and Outcomes of Sport for Development Programmes

Bibliographic Data

ID13054709
AuthorsKirsten Verkooijen (0000-0002-0735-7024, Wageningen University & Research, corresponding author), Sabina Super (0000-0002-2586-1953, Wageningen University & Research), Lisanne S Mulderij (0000-0003-2845-8745, Wageningen University & Research), Dico de Jager (Wageningen University & Research), Annemarie Wagemakers (0000-0002-1212-6888, Wageningen University & Research)
Year2020
Volume8
Issue3
Pages152-161
Publication date2020-08-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Inclusion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2183-2803 • E-ISSN: 2183-2803
PublisherCogitatio (PUBLISHER • PT)
DOI10.17645/si.v8i3.2747
OpenAlexW3048994712
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited24

The complex nature of Sport for Development (SfD) programmes makes impact evaluation challenging. Realist evaluation has been proposed as a new, theory-driven approach to evaluate complex programmes. The present study aimed to explore the value of conducting realist interviews to gain improved insight into the mechanisms and outcomes of three SfD programmes in the Netherlands: a programme that promotes sports participation among socially vulnerable youth; a combined lifestyle intervention for adults of low social economic status; and a sports-based programme for marginalised adults. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the applicability of a conceptual model from the field of social enterprise (Roy, Baker, & Kerr, 2017) as the preliminary programme theory for those interviews. First, for each programme, a realist interview was conducted with one researcher as the key informant. Thereafter, the findings from and experiences with the individual realist interviews were discussed among the informants in a group meeting. The results revealed that the conceptual model functioned well as preliminary programme theory for the SfD programmes. The realist interviews contributed to theoretical awareness and trustworthiness. Importantly, the interviews highlighted knowledge gaps and generated ideas for programme improvement. Hence, the realist interview technique is recommended as a methodological tool to generate, validate, and improve programme theory in the field of SfD. This study had, however, an explorative character, and more research is needed to confirm and generalize the findings and to learn how a greater number of stakeholders might contribute to this type of realist evaluation

Conceptual framework · Focus group · Intervention (counseling · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · The Conceptual Framework · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Physical Education and Pedagogy · Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

  • Game Changer

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    Open Access•Pedro Danilo Ponciano Núñez, Iago Portela-Pino et al.•SAGE Open•2023

  • Towards defining and advancing storytelling approach in an indigenous realist evaluation

    Open Access•Meshack Nzesei Mutua•Evaluation Journal of Australasia•2025

  • Stakeholder involvement in realist evaluation

    Open Access•Ségolène Malengreaux, Monika Martens et al.•Evaluation•2025

  • Ripple Effects Mapping Within a Process Evaluation of Sport for Development Provision in England

    Open Access•Jase Wilson, Dan Bates•Social Inclusion•2025

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    Open Access•Reinhard Haudenhuyse, John Hayton et al.•Social Inclusion•2020

  • Strengthening health research capacity for postgraduate trainees

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  • Toward a Distinctive Sport Management Discipline

    Laurence Chalip•Journal of Sport Management•2006

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    Open Access•Sabina Super, Niels Hermens et al.•BMC Public Health•2014

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    Open Access•Sabina Super, Carlijn Wentink et al.•Social Inclusion•2017

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    Ray Pawson•British Journal of Sociology•1996

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Unique citing works7
Citations per year1,17
Citation span2020 - 2025 (6)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 7
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