Using surveys in realist evaluation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6423953 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Gill Westhorp (0000-0001-8451-2860, Charles Darwin University, corresponding author), Simon Feeny (0000-0002-5955-0045, RMIT University) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 45-64 |
| Publication date | 2024-10-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Evaluation Journal of Australasia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1035-719X • E-ISSN: 2515-9372 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/1035719x241292083 |
| OpenAlex | W4403395853 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 12 |
Realist evaluation is a theory-based approach to evaluation which examines what works in what respects and to what extent, for whom, in what contexts and how. It focuses on identifying underlying mechanisms which cause outcomes and the contextual factors necessary for their operation. Despite realist evaluation being ‘agnostic’ about methods, qualitative approaches have been heavily favoured in practice. This paper argues that the use of surveys can considerably strengthen standard approaches to realist analysis while still being consistent with the philosophical underpinnings of realist evaluation. It provides examples drawn from various research and evaluation projects. The paper demonstrates that when program theory is well-developed, quantitative data collected through surveys can be used to examine all three elements of realist hypothesis testing: contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. The paper concludes with five principles for the design and analysis of survey data in realist evaluations
Evidence-based Policy
Rameses II reporting standards for realist evaluations
Methods in realist evaluation
The Realist Survey
Quantification and realist methodologies
Understanding ‘context’ in realist evaluation and synthesis
A realist diagnostic workshop
Mobilising Q methodology within a realist evaluation
Cross-cultural realist interviews
A Realist Theory of Science
The craft of interviewing in realist evaluation
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |