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

Introduction to Realist Evaluation

Issued by Charles Darwin University

This unit examines the implications of a realist philosophy of science for specific methods in design, data collection, data analysis and reporting in realist evaluation. Students develop skills in developing program theory, designing realist evaluation, developing instruments, selecting samples, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and reporting in line with international standards for realist evaluation.

  • Type Certification
  • Level Advanced
  • Cost Paid

Skills

Earning Criteria

  • 5 pre-recorded lectures: Realist evaluation design; Data: Overview and quantitative data; Qualitative data and realist interviewing; Analysis, synthesis and revising program theory; Reporting realist evaluations.
  • Reading: Pawson and Manzano - Realist Diagnostic Workshop; Rameses Publication Standards - Realist evaluation; Rameses Quality Standards - Realist evaluation; Westhorp, G. (2008) Development of Realist Evaluation Models and Methods for use in Small-Scale Community Based Settings. Ch 4.; Manzano (2016) The craft of realist interviewing; Rameses Project II - Realist interviewing
  • 5 interactive workshops (online or face to face) with related learning activities: Developing realist program theory; Writing key evaluation questions; Identifying data requirements; Realist interviewing; Data analysis and reporting
  • Option 1: Evaluation Design Report (4000-4500 words per student). Prepare an evaluation design report (equivalent to a brief research protocol or evaluation inception report). Option 2: Negotiated Assessment (4000-4500 words). Students who are developing or undertaking a realist evaluation outside of the unit of study may negotiate with the lecturer one aspect of or method for that evaluation on which to report.

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.