Realist interviewing for novice realist evaluators

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRealist Evaluation: Principles and Practice
EditorsAna Manzano, Emma Williams
Place of PublicationLondon
Chapter6
Pages88-103
Number of pages16
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003457077
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Nov 2024

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