Understanding 'context' in realist evaluation and synthesis. Issue 5 (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Greenhalgh, Joanne; Manzano, Ana
• Is Part Of: International journal of social research methodology. Volume 25:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 583
• Page End: 595
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Context -- realist evaluation -- realist synthesis -- complexity -- causality; Sociology -- Research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2021.1918484
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-5579

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Context is a key concept in developing realist causal explanations but its conceptualisation has received comparatively less attention. We conducted a review to explore how context is conceptualised within realist reviews and evaluations. We purposively selected 40 studies to examine: How is context defined? And how is context operationalised in the findings? We identified two key 'narratives' in the way context was conceptualised: 1) Context as observable features (space, place, people, things) that triggered or blocked the intervention; assuming that context operates at one moment in time and sets in motion a chain reaction of events. 2) Context as the relational and dynamic features that shaped the mechanisms through which the intervention works; assuming that context operates in a dynamic, emergent way over time at multiple different levels of the social system. These two context narratives have different implications for the design, goals and impact of realist reviews and evaluations.