Introduction to Realist Evaluation

This session is part of the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health's Research Methods Primer and Provocation series.
In this final session of the 2023 series, Iveta Tsenkova will provide an introduction to realist evaluation; a theory-driven evaluation developed by Pawson and Tilley (1997) based on the assumption that the same intervention will not work for everyone in the same way.
The session will include a brief introduction into the theoretical background of the method in Critical Realism. It will explore realist evaluation and its application to the Medical Research Council's (MRC) Framework for health intervention evaluations.
Iveta will introduce key ideas and concepts of realist evaluations and will provide examples of it in published research. Participants will get an understanding in the overall method, as well as challenges, limitations, and controversies.
About the Presenter:
Iveta Tsenkova is a LISS-DTP PhD Candidate based at the Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Her research project focuses on addressing the knowledge gaps in the theoretical models of youth homeless substance use interventions. Prior to starting her PhD, Iveta worked for the youth homelessness charity Depaul UK and undertook her MSc in Mental Health Studies at King’s College London.