Abstract
This chapter is designed to be a useful and practical guide for the realist novice who may be embarking upon realist fieldwork for the first time. It highlights the importance of study design and discusses considerations necessary to gain ethical approval so that researchers have the flexibility they need to collect data whilst staying true to the iterative and evolving nature of realist research. Real-world examples of interview questions are outlined; explanations are offered as to how realist interviews can be directed, and questions articulated when conducting research with professionals and vulnerable participants. Readers are offered guidance to help them understand how to identify Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations (CMOCs) in interview data and how interview questions can be articulated at the different theoretical stages of theory gleaning, refinement and consolidation. Finally, an approach to data analysis is explained with the objective of helping novice researchers avoid being overwhelmed with seemingly large datasets.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Realist Evaluation: Principles and Practice |
Editors | Ana Manzano, Emma Williams |
Place of Publication | London |
Chapter | 6 |
Pages | 88-103 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003457077 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 29 Nov 2024 |