Hi Sue
Other than the original text book, I'm not sure what the best references
would be. But in terms of 'when and what', my rough rule of thumb goes
something like this:
a) when refining the question for the synthesis, check with the
commissioners of the synthesis whether there is a particular theoretical
framework they are interested in or particular theories they think are
relevant;
b) when scanning literature to develop your initial rough theory, take notes
about the formal theories you see named and (in my case!) pause for a quick
skim of something superficial about them to get an 'instant handle' on
whether you're going to need a 'deeper handle' on them. Sometimes they
provide elements for what goes in your initial rough theory, too.
c) when taking your initial rough theory to a larger research team (if you
have one), advisory group, or end user group, ask them what formal theories
they know of or think are useful;
d) when you hit a little iteration cycle (looking for particular research on
a particular aspect of your question/theory), check whether there are
particular theories for that bit;
e) once you've got your overall pattern of findings, step back and ponder
(preferably with larger research team/advisory group/end user group) about
whether a particular theoretical framework makes sense of the pattern
Of course - I don't always do all that, or do it in enough depth ... I think
all are useful, but b) and e) are pretty close to essential.
Cheers
Gill
-----Original Message-----
From: Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sue's UBC e-mail
Sent: Thursday, 14 March 2013 6:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Looking for good refs re: development and use of theory in realist
synthesis
Hi,
I am doing a realist synthesis on self-management interventions for
disadvantaged populations at UBC. I joined your email list recently and
really appreciate this learning forum.
I am trying to find some good resources for gaining a deeper grasp of how to
develop and use already existing theory/explanatory models in a realist
synthesis.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Sue
Sue Mills PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
School of Population and Public Health
Faculty of Medicine
The University of British Columbia
2206 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Tel: (604) 827-1444 Fax: (604) 822-4994
Cell: 604-338-4232
www.spph.ubc.ca
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