Realist synthesis

Synonyms:
Realist evaluation synthesis

A realist synthesis is the synthesis of a wide range of evidence that seeks to identify underlying causal mechanisms and explore how they work under what conditions, answering the question "what works for whom under what circumstances?" rather than "what works?".

Resources

  • Realist synthesis: An introduction

    This guide, written by Ray Pawson, Trisha Greenhalgh, Gill Harvey and Kieran Walshe for the ESRC Research Methods Programme, provides an introduction to using realist synthesis, with a focus on health service reforms in the UK.

  • Evidence-based policy: A realist perspective

    This book, written by Ray Pawson, provides a critique of the meta-analytic approach and argues that the realist synthesis is a better way of understanding program theory, therefore enabling properly targeted policies to address the constant evoluti

  • Realist synthesis: Illustrating the method for implementation research

    This paper describes the process used for a realist review and synthesis in informing evidence-based decisions and implementation methods in health care.

    It also considers the strengths and challenges of using realist synthesis.

  • Quality standards for realist syntheses and meta-narrative reviews

    This paper, written by Geoff Wong, Trish Greenhalgh, Gill Westhrop and Ray Pawson for The RAMESES project outlines a set of quality standards for conducting realist syntheses and/or meta-narrative reviews.

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