Introduction to Realist Review
  • Type Certification
  • Level Advanced
  • Cost Paid

Introduction to Realist Review

Issued by Charles Darwin University

This unit examines the implications of a realist philosophy of science for specific methods in realist review (the realist approach to synthesis of existing evidence). Students practice skills in scoping a review, developing program theory to guide the review, developing a search strategy for evidence, extracting evidence from literature, and synthesising findings. International reporting and quality standards for realist review will be used for self-assessment and as a tool for staff feedback.

  • Type Certification
  • Level Advanced
  • Cost Paid

Skills

Earning Criteria

  • Lectures: Realist Review; Data: Overview and quantitative data; Qualitative data and realist interviewing; Analysis, synthesis and revising program theory; Reporting realist reviews.
  • Reading: Pawson et al (2004) Realist review – an introduction; Saul et al (2013) A time responsive tool for informing policy making: rapid realist review; Booth et al (2019) Scoping and searching for realist approaches; Wong et al (2011) Policy guidance on threats to legislative interventions in public health: a realist synthesis.
  • Interactive workshops (online or face to face) with related learning activities: Defining the review topic; Developing a search strategy; Extracting data.
  • Realist Review Protocol (4000-4500 words per student). Prepare a realist review protocol (design). The design will incorporate a brief description of the research question, its policy context, the purposes to be achieved by the review, the rationale for using a realist approach, the program theory, the search process and search terms, and the data collection, extraction and analysis strategy.

Standards

CDU Higher Education Accreditation (AQF)
A rubric for assessment has been developed based on CDU standards for grading of assignments and is provided to all students.
Rameses Standards
International reporting and quality standards for realist evaluation will be used as tools for self-assessment of their work and as a tool for feedback from staff.