Understanding 'context' in realist evaluation and synthesis

• Published in: International journal of social research methodology Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 583 - 595
• Main Authors: Greenhalgh, Joanne, Manzano, Ana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.09.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Causal Models; Causality; complexity; Concept Formation; Context; Context Effect; Definitions; Design; Intervention; Narratives; Realism; realist evaluation; realist synthesis; Scientific Research; Social Systems; Synthesis; Systems Approach
• ISSN: 1364-5579; 1464-5300
• DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2021.1918484

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.