Realist Matrix

A realist matrix will include:

• Agency: Whose actions exactly are causing the change to occur?
• Context: considers the external variables or ‘moderators’ that affect outcomes, including the impact of the social and political situation
• Resources being provided
• Mechanism: How the resources and the thing/person being changed interact
• The outcome: What the anticipated change is under the specified conditions

Outcomes are understood to be the result of the interaction between resources being provided and the way that participants respond to these. This interaction is influenced by the context, and the response will be different under different conditions, so a realist matrix helps answer the question ‘what works for whom under what conditions?’

A realist matrix is usually presented in the form of a table, with columns representing the fields listed above.

Source: Funnell, S. and Rogers, P. (2011) Chapter 7.

 Example

Example of a Realist Matrix Logic Model of a Computer Project taken from Funnell & Rogers (2011) p. 249.

Funnell, S., & Rogers, P. (2011). Purposeful program theory: Effective use of theories of change and logic models. (ch 7). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons

Advice

Advice for CHOOSING this option (tips and traps)

• Think about which programme outcomes are most susceptible to being influenced by external factors and conditions. How will the mechanism at work change under different conditions, and with what affect on the outcome?

Advice for USING this option (tips and traps)

• Think about how you can use the matrix to improve the effectiveness of your programme. Given what you know about the impact of context on casual mechanisms, what risks to programme outcomes exist and how can these be mitigated? Under what conditions will the desired outcomes be achieved how can these conditions be encouraged? If the most important external conditions cannot be changed, think about which approach, agents and resources are most effective under the prevailing conditions.

Resources

Example

• ‘Developing a Logic Model or Theory of Change’ - provides an overview of logic models and theory of change, including strengths, weaknesses, practical guidance and examples. 

Guide

• Purposeful program theory: effective use of theories of change and logic models - This book shows how to develop, represent, and use program theory thoughtfully and strategically to suit your particular situation.

Sources

Funnell, S., & Rogers, P. (2011). Purposeful program theory: Effective use of theories of change and logic models. (ch 7). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons. Can be purchased through http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470478578.html

Milstein, B and Chapel, T. (2011) ‘Developing a Logic Model or Theory of Change’, The Community Tool Box, Work Group for Community Health and Development, University of Kansas, retrieved from http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_examples_1877.aspx