scholarly journals Using the realist interview approach to maintain theoretical awareness in realist studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinand C Mukumbang ◽  
Bruno Marchal ◽  
Sara Van Belle ◽  
Brian van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Interview Technique ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Relevant Context ◽  
Generative Mechanisms ◽  
Interviewing Technique

Realist evaluation submits that theories and models of how, why, for whom and under what circumstances programs work could be formulated by conceptualizing the relational links between the context within which programs are implemented, the generative mechanisms the programs trigger, and the outcomes of interest. Qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis allow for the description of the relevant context, the generative mechanisms, and the emergent outcomes of programs and provide explanatory power to link these elements. The ‘realist interviewing technique’, whereby interviewees comment on a suggested ‘program theory’ to provide refinement, is proposed as a distinctive approach for conducting interviews in a realist-informed inquiry. However, the application of this interviewing strategy within the realist evaluation studies is underutilized. In this study, we demonstrate how the realist interview technique reinforces and maintains theoretical awareness and contributes to trustworthiness through three theory-building phases: theory gleaning, theory refining, and theory consolidation.

scholarly journals An Adaptation of Grounded Theory Using a Modified Convergent Interviewing Technique

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elica Safari Mehr ◽  
Peter Carswell ◽  
Karen Day
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Clear Explanation ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Efficient Data ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Improve Theory ◽  
Interviewing Technique

Grounded Theory (GT) researchers have been using adaptations of this methodology to serve theory building purposes, following different theoretical frameworks. However, there is a lack of enough information on the variation of GT used, or their epistemological assumptions in some studies. The purpose of this paper is to provide our experience in a GT study using a modified convergent interviewing technique to help guide other researchers on using this method and build their own research design. We have combined a decision-making technique, called Delphi, with convergent interviewing and provided a clear explanation of the steps required to apply this method in a GT research study. To help other researchers, justifications made to choose convergent interviewing in this GT study, and the proposed adaptation are explained in detail. The method used resulted in a more efficient data collection and analysis stage in the main author’s PhD study, that aimed to find main issues in a Health Information Technology innovation development by interviewing key informants. The case for this study was about using Information Technology in health care (e.g., computerised medical records for sharing patient care among clinicians in different services). The GT methodology and the proposed interviewing method can be used in the development processes of other innovations where the main issues or events need to be determined and generate relevant theory. There is potential in the proposed method to improve theory building studies by providing explicit theoretical and methodological decisions of this study.

How rural immersion training influences rural work orientation of medical students: Theory building through realist evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amie Bingham ◽  
Belinda O’Sullivan ◽  
Danielle Couch ◽  
Samuel Cresser ◽  
Matthew McGrail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Work Orientation ◽  
Immersion Training ◽  
Rural Work

scholarly journals Combining Realist approaches and Normalization Process Theory to understand implementation: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Michelle Dalkin ◽  
Rebecca J. L. Hardwick ◽  
Catherine A. Haighton ◽  
Tracy L. Finch
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Normalization Process Theory ◽  
Process Theory ◽  
Scientific Realist ◽  
Health Database ◽  
Normalization Process

Abstract Background Realist approaches and Normalization Process Theory (NPT) have both gained significant traction in implementation research over the past 10 years. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how the approaches are combined to understand problems of implementation, to determine the degree of complementarity of the two approaches and to provide practical approaches for using them together. Methods Systematic review of research studies combining Realist and NPT approaches. Realist methodology is concerned with understanding and explaining causation, that is, how and why policies, programmes and interventions achieve their effects. NPT is a theory of implementation that explains how practices become normalised. Databases searched (January 2020) were ASSIA, CINAHL, Health Research Premium Collection via Proquest (Family Health Database, Health & Medical Collection, Health Management Database, MEDLINE, Nursing & Allied Health Database, Psychology Database, Public Health Database) and PsycARTICLES. Studies were included if the author(s) stated they used both approaches: a scientific Realist perspective applying the principles of Pawson and Tilley’s Realist Evaluation or Pawson’s Realist Synthesis and Normalization Process Theory either solely or in addition to other theories. Two authors screened records; discrepancies were reviewed by a third screener. Data was extracted by three members of the team and a narrative synthesis was undertaken. Results Of 245 total records identified, 223 unique records were screened and 39 full-text papers were reviewed, identifying twelve papers for inclusion in the review. These papers represented eight different studies. Extent and methods of integration of the approaches varied. In most studies (6/8), Realist approaches were the main driver. NPT was mostly used to enhance the explanatory power of Realist analyses, informing development of elements of Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes (a common heuristic in realist work). Authors’ reflections on the integration of NPT and Realist approaches were limited. Conclusions Using Realist and NPT approaches in combination can add explanatory power for understanding the implementation of interventions and programmes. Attention to detailed reporting on methods and analytical process when combining approaches, and appraisal of theoretical and practical utility is advised for advancing knowledge of applying these approaches in research. Systematic review registration Not registered.

Reimagining a Realist Evaluation Research in Entrepreneurship Skills Development and the Idea of University Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-133
Author(s):  
Valile Valindawo M. Dwayi
Keyword(s):  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
University Education ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Espoused Values ◽  
Innovation And Technology ◽  
Sustainability Challenges

This article reports on the evaluation researchproject, which focussed on the viability and sustainability challenges in one particular case of a university over a period of five years. Such a university remains categorised as structurally disadvantaged despite almost thirty years into constitutional democracy in South Africa. As such, the research project was conducted against the complexity of the university transformation project, which take place against the enduring social ills as high unemployment rate, increasing inequalities and abject poverties especially from the enduring legacy of the old racist apartheid system. The role of university education in such a context becomes the reflexive imperative in consideration of university, not only as the public good and equity, but for social justice and equity discourses. Such discourses need to be made more loud than is presently the case. The research therefore focussed on the role of entrepreneurship skills development, which then were juxtaposed with the espoused values of of science, innovation and technology as the key performance indicators for the academic project. As such, the article will revolve around the main argument that scholarship of engagament in univeristy spaces, where entrepreneurship skills development ought to be the enabling system, need to be reimagined in terms of the contemporary research disciplines. Critical realist philosophy, and the realist social theory as the explanatory program, provide the alternative research approach to the mainstream approaches due to their explanatory power for for transcendentalism and based on retroductive arguemnts about the social world. Such an approach does not only foreground the contemporary debates in social sciences, and the emerging fields of study within it, but also help to elaborate on the purist positions that tend to be promoted in some business science fields and their inadvertent pragmatic and black box logic. Keywords: Viability, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship skills development, Historically disadvantaged universities, realist evaluative research

scholarly journals Exploring Challenges in Space Syntax Theory Building: The Use of Positivist and Hermeneutic Explanatory Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 7133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akkelies van Nes ◽  
Claudia Yamu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Space ◽  
Critical Realism ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Space Syntax ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Market Rationality ◽  
High Degree

The planning and building of sustainable cities and communities yields operational theories on urban space. The novelty of this paper is that it discusses and explores the challenges for space syntax theory building within two key research traditions: positivism and hermeneutics. Applying a theory of science perspective, we first discuss the explanatory power of space syntax and its applications. Next, we distinguish between theories that attempt to explain a phenomenon and theories that seek to understand it, based on Von Wright’s modal logics and Bhaskar’s critical realism models. We demonstrate that space syntax research that focuses on spatial configurative changes in built environments, movement and economic activities can explain changes in a built environment in terms of cause and effect (positivism), whereas historical research or research focusing on social rationality, space and crime or cognition seeks to develop an understanding of the inherent cultural meaning of the space under investigation (hermeneutics). Evidently, the effect of human intentions and behaviour on spatial structures depends on the type of rationality underlying these intentions, which is the focus of this study. Positivist explanatory models are appropriate for examining market rationality in cases that entail unambiguous intentionality and that are associated with a high degree of predictability. By contrast, other kinds of reasoning require a hermeneutic understanding.

scholarly journals Improving knowledge transfer: A realist evaluation of the implementation of knowledge transfer pathways by a health research funder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lesley Middleton
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Transfer Policy ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Final Theory

<p>Organisations whose mission is to fund health research are increasingly concerned with ensuring that the research they fund is used productively. The resulting interest in the concept of “knowledge transfer” has involved introducing policies to prompt researchers to think about their role, not just as knowledge producers, but as translators of research findings. In New Zealand, researchers can be asked, in their application for funds, to provide an account of what will happen to their research results. They are then judged on the quality of that account. However, little is known about how effectively this type of policy influences researchers to do more to make connections with those who use their findings.  Using the explanatory power of the realist evaluative approach, this thesis examines the implementation of new instructions by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) for providing knowledge transfer pathways in research applications. A focus of the research is on how these instructions change (or do not change) the mind-set of researchers. Key informant interviews were held, and the scholarly and grey literature examined, to develop an initial theory on how researchers would be influenced by such instructions. Individual interviews were then held with researchers, seeking their reflections on what they had originally written in a specific knowledge transfer pathway and how this then matched up with what actually happened; these interviews were then used to refine the initial theory. Finally, an on-line survey was conducted with those who sat on the HRC’s research assessing committees in the 2014/15 funding round in order to refine the theory further.  The final theory identified six mechanisms, which under different contexts, explain how the HRC’s knowledge transfer policy works (or does not work) to prompt researchers to reason differently. A continuum of reasoning in the form of a dimmer switch was used to explain circumstances where researchers may become more mindful of what is involved in knowledge transfer, but were not likely to markedly change their behaviours. Based on the assumption that the HRC wants to be more active in encouraging researchers to undertake activities other than producing research results, two recommendations are made: (1) knowledge transfer policies should support self-reflexivity by different groups of researchers rather than creating more hoops within the research application process, and (2) the processes by which knowledge transfer sections are judged needs to be strengthened if researchers are going to be confident that this is a “serious” part of the application process.</p>

scholarly journals Images differentiation of high status and low status person among young people

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-207
Author(s):  
T.V. Folomeeva ◽  
S.V. Fedotova
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
High Status ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Psychological Analysis ◽  
Typical Specimen ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Two Stages

The study focuses on the socio-psychological analysis of images of typical specimen of high status and low status person identified using qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis. On the basis of the two stages of the study, using miscellaneous research methods, (n=120) the main relevant characteristics were identified: objective sources of social status, behavioral peculiarities, personality qualities, appearance peculiarities, nonverbal behavior and experiences of such people. These characteristics may reflect important for young people areas of life and their perception of the society model.

The provision of comprehensive crisis intervention by a charitable organisation: findings from a realist evaluation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rowan Magill ◽  
Sunny Collings ◽  
Gabrielle Jenkin
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Intervention ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Realist Evaluation ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Crisis Services ◽  
Charitable Organisation ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Voluntary Organisations

Public and academic discussion about the needs of people experiencing suicidality and psychological distress is focused on the improvement and expansion of clinical services. The potential of non-clinical, voluntary organisations providing comprehensive support is overlooked. This article reports findings from a realist evaluation of a charitable organisation in New Zealand that provides crisis respite. Two phases of data collection and analysis enabled the development of a programme theory explaining how respite supports people experiencing suicidality and distress. Data from interviews, participant observation, document analysis and a focus group were examined using thematic analysis. The study identified key outcomes of this respite service, along with the contextual factors and mechanisms that explain how these outcomes were generated. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of respite and the benefits of crisis services operating as charitable organisations. The apparent advantages of volunteerism are discussed in the context of a trend towards professionalisation in crisis intervention.

Developing Learning Module for Equalizing the Competence of Students in 1st Piano Minor Course at Jakarta Institute of the Arts

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 840-849
Author(s):  
Endang Kusumaningsih ◽  
Nadiroh ◽  
Nurdin Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Body Position ◽  
Product Analysis ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Music Department ◽  
Learning Module ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Learning Language ◽  
Senior Students

Produce a learning module with video was the main aim of this study for equalizing of piano minor 1 subject’s student competence at the music department Jakarta Institute of Arts. This study also to get the empire data of the effective, efficient, interesting and productive. It was the research and development type of research. There were 3 stages which are a pre-development, development and application. The process comprised validation, evaluation, revision and trial, data collection and analysis for achieving the product. The number of the respondent of this survey were 23 which comprised of 4 validators, 3 senior students for a one-to-one test, 6 senior students, and 10 students for sample who followed the piano minor 1 class for improving the product. Analysis of the data using qualitative and quantitative approach. Qualitative data is contained of correction, critic, suggestion and inputs from the subject experts such as the expert of design instructional, piano minor learning, language and media. Quantitative data is hypothesis comparative data between pre-test and posttest. The product of the research is the module learning of piano minor 1 contains 5 subjects, namely: the utilization of piano; body position, and posture when play piano; notation reading; technic of playing the piano; expression of playing the piano. The module is completed by guidelines for student and lecturer. The result of this research showed that a piano minor 1 learning module is suitable for students. The module is effective, efficient, productive and interesting that can equalize the competence of students.

On Building Better Mousetraps and Understanding the Human Condition

2015 ◽  
Vol 659 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimmy Lin
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Scientific Reasoning ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Data Use ◽  
Human Condition ◽  
Science And Engineering ◽  
Disruptive Technologies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis

Over the past few years, we have seen the emergence of “big data”: disruptive technologies that have transformed commerce, science, and many aspects of society. Despite the tremendous enthusiasm for big data, there is no shortage of detractors. This article argues that many criticisms stem from a fundamental confusion over goals: whether the desired outcome of big data use is “better science” or “better engineering.” Critics point to the rejection of traditional data collection and analysis methods, confusion between correlation and causation, and an indifference to models with explanatory power. From the perspective of advancing social science, these are valid reservations. I contend, however, that if the end goal of big data use is to engineer computational artifacts that are more effective according to well-defined metrics, then whatever improves those metrics should be exploited without prejudice. Sound scientific reasoning, while helpful, is not necessary to improve engineering. Understanding the distinction between science and engineering resolves many of the apparent controversies surrounding big data and helps to clarify the criteria by which contributions should be assessed.

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