129 - What is the Potential for Realist Evaluation and Synthesis in the North American Social Services Context?

Abstract Information: This Birds of a Feather gathering aims to provide people who are doing or are interested in learning about realist evaluation and synthesis (Pawson & Tilley, 2008; Pawson, 2006; Sayer, 2000) the opportunity to connect and to explore the potential of these approaches within the context of evaluation of social services within the US. Realist evaluation is a theory-driven approach based on a realist philosophy of science that addresses the question ‘what works, for whom, under what circumstances and how’. Central to the realist approach is the identification and refinement of propositions about how a program works using retroduction and empirical data generated using a variety of methods. As such, it stands as something of a counterpoint to the emphasis on quasi/experimental approaches so prevalent in the US. With few exceptions (see the Georgia Health Policy Center), it has yet to gain much of a foothold here, while it is widely used in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Europe. Session participants will be invited to share their experiences with realist evaluation and synthesis as well as with explicitly theory-driven approaches to evaluation more generally. Specifically, the group will discuss the benefits and challenges of these designs, for example, in terms of engaging community, utilization and impact. Participants will also share lessons learned related to making realist projects responsive to the Evidence Based context as it is constructed in the US. The group will also be invited to talk about their experiences working with potential funders in regards to realist designs. Finally, the group will discuss the potential for realist evaluation and synthesis in terms of government and privately funded projects as well as evaluation scholarship and education.