Mechanism-Based Middle-Range Theories

Using Realist Syntheses to Reconcile Specificity to Context and Generalizability

Bibliographic Data

ID4704041
AuthorsFerdinand C Mukumbang (0000-0003-1441-2172, University of Washington, corresponding author), Geoff Wong (0000-0002-5384-4157, University of Oxford)
Year2025
Pages10497323251316401-10497323251316401
Publication date2025-03-12
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323251316401
PMID40073215
OpenAlexW4408357707
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited76

Realist synthesis is a recognized methodological approach to evidence synthesis to inform evidence-based health policy and practice. The implicit assumption behind research synthesis is that the evidence it generates should be generalizable--drawing broad inferences from specific observations. While this understanding is generally shared among social scientists, tensions exist between having generalizable evidence and how this evidence can be useful in specific contexts. This paper considers the role of mechanism-based middle-range theories obtained from realist synthesis in bridging specificity to context and generalizability. Retroductive theorizing in realist synthesis helps to identify ideas about mechanisms related to the phenomenon embedded in the social and organizational contexts that could, in principle, have a much broader application. Also, because mechanism-based middle-range theories are linked to contextual features, they capture contextual nuances to enhance evidence implementation. We conclude that middle-range mechanisms provide an opportunity to achieve generalizability and contextualization in implementation science

Contextualization · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Generalizability theory · Operationalization · Sociology · Computer Science · Health Policy Implementation Science · Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life · Primary Care and Health Outcomes · Psychology