ACROSS FAMILIES/ Review & synthesis
Realist synthesis
Explain what works, for whom and in which circumstances
Realist synthesis develops and tests programme theories using existing evidence about how mechanisms generate outcomes in particular contexts. It searches iteratively for evidence that can refine explanations, including qualitative and quantitative reports. Mechanisms are explanatory processes, often involving participants' reasoning and resources, rather than simply intervention activities or a list of implementation barriers.
WHEN IT FITS
Use for complex organisational, educational or policy interventions when outcomes vary by setting and the practical question requires an explanation of that variation.
Strengths
- Explains contextual variation instead of averaging it away
- Combines diverse evidence around a programme theory
Limitations
- Mechanisms are often poorly reported and require careful inference
- Iterative searching and theory refinement need experienced judgement
Know the boundary
Realist synthesis does not produce a universally transferable average treatment effect.
USED ACROSS
Banking & financeBusiness & MBAPsychologyComputer scienceEducation