Dear Ray
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. This is really helpful and gives me a great way of moving forward with building my initial theory framework.
Thanks again.
Ted Sherman
From: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]; [log in to unmask]
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2012 08:39:34 +0000
Subject: RE: Questions about Aims, objectives and programme theory gathering for an MSc dissertation.
Ted
Briefly.
First of all congratulations - you have a powerful finding. Programme theories ALWAYS vary and sometimes clash as one slides along the implementation chain. Moreover, there are hundreds of relevant programme theories that can be applied to various points in the construction of any intervention.
So?
RS always involves a ruthless selection of what may be considered the most significant programme theories. Note I’m still writing in the plural there – you’ll be selective but always be chasing several families of theories.
And what if they clash and contradict? So much the better. You will be able to ‘adjudicate’ between theories. Not by pronouncing winners and losers but by finding which theory applies to particular subjects in particular circumstances, at particular times, in particular respects, tra la la.
Ray
From: Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of ted sherman
Sent: 06 November 2012 21:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Questions about Aims, objectives and programme theory gathering for an MSc dissertation.
Dear All
I am currently in my third year of a MSc in Public Health at the University of the West of England and have just begun to work on my dissertation. I was hoping someone could help me with a few things?
The working title of my dissertation is "A realist synthesis of community based alcohol treatment for older people."
I would really appreciate it if someone could comment on my aims and objectives as set out below? Do these correctly represent the outcomes that could be expected from a realist synthesis? Do they make sense?:
Aim: To establish the main mechanisms, i.e. the elements and processes that cause an intervention to produce a specific outcome, that exist within community based treatment for older people with alcohol problems, and to explain the influence that context has on these mechanisms.
Objectives: To refine and add to the existing theories of how, why and when alcohol treatment for older people works.
To produce a programme of recommendations that can be used by decision makers and practioners to develop and improve services.
Also, I am unclear about who I should make contact with to establish the existing programme theories/folk theories that underpin alcohol treatment programmes for older people? These theories will be used to develop the initial theoretical framework within my research.
I am already in contact with numerous agencies operating within this field but I cannot decide who within these organisations I should be collecting theories from?
It seems highly possible that the programme theories held by a front-line practioner will differ from the theroies held by the individual who designed the service and again these may differ from those of the cheif officer within the organisation. Can anyone suggest how I should deal with these potentially differing or conflicting theories, or would it be more sensible to simply state within my dissertation that I recognise that theories may differ between individuals within an organisation and so for reaons of time and pragmatism I will only gather theories from one group of individuals (e.g. front-line practioners)?
I hope this makes sense?
And I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Ted Sherman.
