A journey through data analysis – from extraction to theories of middle range

Dr Brynne Gilmore – Thursday 9th December 1.30pm

This session, based on a previously conducted realist evaluation, will be a practical ‘walk through’ of data extraction and analysis. Brynne will highlight her research group’s process for extracting CMOcs, refining programme theories, searching for demi-regularities, and constructing theories of middle range. Areas of weakness in the process leading to recommendations for improvement will be discussed.

Brynne is an applied global health researcher using theory driven methodologies to understand and improve community engagement and health interventions, mainly for maternal and child health. Her work involves partnership with NGOs and bi-lateral organisations. She has conducted numerous realist reviews, a rapid realist review, and realist evaluations. She currently supervises doctoral students conducting realist studies, and is interested in supporting the development of realist researchers across the globe. https://people.ucd.ie/brynne.gilmore

Linked Resources

1. Flynn R, Schick-Makaroff K, Levay A, Greenhalgh J. Developing an Initial Program Theory to Explain How Patient-Reported Outcomes Are Used in Health Care Settings: Methodological Process and Lessons Learned. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. January 2020. doi:10.1177/1609406920916299

2. Smeets, R.G., Hertroijs, D.F., Mukumbang, F.C., Kroese, M.E., Ruwaard, D. and Elissen, A.M., 2021. First things first: How to elicit the initial program theory for a realist evaluation of complex integrated care programs. The Milbank Quarterly. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1468-0009.12543

3.  Shearn K, Allmark P, Piercy H, Hirst J. Building Realist Program Theory for Large Complex and Messy Interventions. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. December 2017. doi:10.1177/1609406917741796

4. Mukumbang, F.C., Kabongo, E.M. and Eastwood, J.G., 2021. Examining the Application of Retroductive Theorizing in Realist-Informed Studies. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, p.16094069211053516.

5. Mukumbang FC. Retroductive Theorizing: A Contribution of Critical Realism to Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. December 2021. doi:10.1177/15586898211049847

6. Jagosh, J., 2020. Retroductive theorizing in Pawson and Tilley's applied scientific realism. Journal of Critical Realism, 19(2), pp.121-130.

7. De Weger, E., Van Vooren, N.J.E., Wong, G., Dalkin, S., Marchal, B., Drewes, H.W. and Baan, C.A., 2020. What’s in a Realist Configuration? Deciding Which Causal Configurations to Use, How, and Why. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, p.1609406920938577.

8. Nielsen, S.B., Lemire, S. and Tangsig, S., 2021. Unpacking context in realist evaluations: Findings from a comprehensive review. Evaluation, p.13563890211053032.

9. Greenhalgh, J. and Manzano, A., 2021. Understanding ‘context’in realist evaluation and synthesis. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, pp.1-13.

10. Dalkin, S.M., Greenhalgh, J., Jones, D., Cunningham, B. and Lhussier, M., 2015. What’s in a mechanism? Development of a key concept in realist evaluation. Implementation science, 10(1), pp.1-7.

11. Dalkin, S., Forster, N., Hodgson, P., Lhussier, M. and Carr, S.M., 2021. Using computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS; NVivo) to assist in the complex process of realist theory generation, refinement and testing. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 24(1), pp.123-134.

12. Gilmore, B., McAuliffe, E., Power, J. and Vallières, F., 2019. Data analysis and synthesis within a realist evaluation: toward more transparent methodological approaches. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18, p.1609406919859754.

13. Marchal, B., Dedzo, M. and Kegels, G., 2010. A realist evaluation of the management of a well-performing regional hospital in Ghana. BMC health services research, 10(1), pp.1-14.

14. Gilmore, B., 2019. Realist evaluations in low-and middle-income countries: reflections and recommendations from the experiences of a foreign researcher. BMJ global health, 4(5), p.e001638.

Nottingham Realism Group - Previous Videos

‘Realist (and Realistic!) Searching - Where do I start and how far do I go?

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_jwja39kt

Practical advice on conducting a Realism Synthesis: Lessons learnt from  the MEMORABLE study

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_e49o5vkm

How do you keep community groups and activities for people affected by dementia going_ The SCI Dem realist review

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_vc1ys4dm

The development of a middle range theory as part of a realist(ic) evaluation

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/t/1_x4dem3u9

Funding for Realist Research Projects

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/id/1_oplt3ls8?width=400&height=285&playerId=13724441

The Realist PhD Viva

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/Nottingham+Realism+Group+-+The+Realist+PhD+Viva/1_p2fw9nq0

‘Journey through a realist synthesis: travel companions, the path, diversions and destinations’, Dr Karen Luetsch, 8th September 2021 

https://mediaspace.nottingham.ac.uk/media/Notts+Realism+Group+-+Journey+Through+a+Realist+Synthesis/1_go8csxjn