ORCID
- Rebecca Hardwick: 0000-0002-2488-829X
Abstract
Central to realist evaluation is its focus on underlying generative mechanisms that cause outcomes in particular contexts, often presented as context–mechanism–outcome configurations. The first author brought together 22 realist evaluation experts in a Delphi technique-inspired exercise to explore the potential of creating a database from context–mechanism–outcome configurations identified in the empirical literature, to enhance learning about what context–mechanism–outcome configurations are and to further the cumulation of knowledge. The exercise, and the comments it evoked, showed why developing such a database is not straightforward and the views on its desirability and utility are mixed. The main reasons are the lack of common concepts to organize the database and the problem of the triple hermeneutic, different uses and non-uses of the context–mechanism–outcome configuration heuristic, and different perceptions of the quality of a context–mechanism–outcome configuration. The discussion points raised in this exercise offer valuable insights into realist reasoning and highlight interesting avenues for further research and debate.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2024-09-02
Publication Title
Evaluation
Volume
30
Issue
4
ISSN
1356-3890
Acceptance Date
2024-09-02
Deposit Date
2025-10-06
Additional Links
Keywords
conceptualisation, context–mechanism–outcome configuration, database, generative mechanisms, realist evaluation
First Page
550
Last Page
567
Recommended Citation
Renmans, D., Westhorp, G., Astbury, B., Belrhiti, Z., Hardwick, R., Leeuw, F., Maidment, I., & Williams, E. (2024) 'Feasibility and desirability of a realist CMOC database: Lessons learned', Evaluation, 30(4), pp. 550-567. Available at: 10.1177/13563890241267732
