Data extraction & theory refinement in Realist Synthesis (intermediate)

This workshop will deepen skills in realist synthesis: data extraction, building & refining CMOCs, & iteratively testing programme theories
About this Event

*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at [email protected]

Background

Realist synthesis is an increasingly utilised approach to evidence synthesis, particularly within health and social policy research, where understanding why and for whom interventions work is as important as whether they work. Whilst introductory training can equip researchers with a foundational understanding of the realist approach, developing the methodological rigour required to conduct high-quality realist reviews demands deeper engagement with the more complex, iterative elements. This workshop builds directly on prior introductory training and responds to a recognised need for intermediate-level development opportunities that address the practical and epistemological challenges of data extraction, CMOC (generative causation) construction, and programme theory refinement. It is designed for researchers and academics who are ready to move beyond foundational principles and strengthen their capacity to conduct and critically appraise realist synthesis to a high methodological standard.

Aim

The aim of this workshop is to deepen participants' understanding and practical competence in realist synthesis, with a particular focus on data extraction, the development and refinement of context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs), and the iterative testing of programme theories.

Objectives:

• Develop a critical understanding of data extraction within a realist synthesis, including how to judge the relevance and rigour of sources in relation to programme theory
• Demonstrate competence in constructing, refining and interpreting CMOCs from complex, heterogeneous evidence
• Apply iterative approaches to testing and refining programme theories in response to emerging evidence
• Critically appraise the methodological quality of CMOC development and programme theory refinement in published realist reviews

Learning outcomes

• Implement a systematic and theoretically informed approach to data extraction within a realist synthesis, making explicit judgements about the relevance and rigour of evidence in relation to an a priori programme theory
• Construct CMOCs from heterogeneous evidence, articulating the relationships between context, mechanism and outcome with methodological precision
• Refine and interrogate CMOCs iteratively, recognising where and why configurations require revision in light of contradictory or disconfirming evidence
• Apply iterative logic to the testing and refinement of programme theories, moving between data and theory in a manner consistent with realist epistemology
• Critically evaluate the quality of CMOC development and programme theory refinement in published realist reviews, using established quality standards

Teaching strategies

The workshop will consist of a series of short, focused presentations addressing the realist principles underpinning data extraction, CMOC development, and programme theory refinement within a realist synthesis. Presentations will be interspersed with structured practical sessions in which participants will work directly with real or illustrative data sets to construct and interrogate CMOCs, and to iteratively test programme theories against emerging evidence. Facilitated small group discussion will encourage critical reflection on methodological decisions and trade-offs encountered in practice. There will be dedicated time for questions and expert feedback from realist synthesis specialists.

Facilitators

Dr Brynne Gilmore, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, UCD

Dr Tracey McConnell, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast