Dear Colleagues,

I will be hosting three free lunch/afternoon seminars on Realist methodology later this month. Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested.

Thank you

Justin

1. Realist Methodology for Health Services Research

Tuesday, January 24^th 2017, 12:00 – 1:00pm

Kings College London

                Room G14, James Clerck Maxwell Building

                No registration required

                Contact: Dr. Jill Maben [log in to unmask]

Abstract: Realist methodology is about ‘what works, for whom, under what circumstances and how.’ Although the approach has a broad field of uptake, it has become particularly popular in the health services research and evaluation field. The realist approach begins with the assumption that every intervention, program or service has underpinning programme theory which needs to be unearthed and tested in the course of a research process. Using the approach to examine and synthesize evidence from the health services , the researcher would theorize upon the core mechanisms by which the programme works, theorize the contextual elements that make a difference and propose how intended and unintended outcomes accrue. This theoretical work is used to develop data collection protocols to gather data, and then synthesize evidence using context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. The product of a realist evaluation or synthesis is evidence-informed, context-sensitive theories about how programs work, for improving programs in future iterations.

2. Introduction to Realist Evaluation and Synthesis (flier attached)

Wednesday, January 25^th 2017, 2:00 – 3:30pm

University of Liverpool

Lecture Room G04, Cypress Building

Chatham St. University of Liverpool

Registration: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-realist-evaluation-and-synthesis-tickets-31091140438

3. What is Realism? Exploring Key Philosophical Concepts to Advance Realist Methodology

Thursday, February 1^st  2017, 12:30 – 1:30pm  + discussion

University of Glasgow,

Social and Public Sciences Unit (200 Renfield St.)

Ben Cruachan Seminar Room

Abstract: Realism maps to a set of intellectual movements that have people making assertions about the nature of reality (ontology) and corresponding constructions of science, research, and methodology (epistemology). The field of Realism is diverse, encompassing critical, scientific and other applied forms. However a few key tenets are commonly shared. These are: (1) positions on ‘mind-independent reality’; (2) references to ‘ontological depth’; (3) calls for generative (rather than successionist) approaches to causation; and (4) an identified need for building capacity around retroductive/abductive theorizing. This seminar will introduce these key realist concepts and demonstrate how they may support the advancement of realist methodology.

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