Course Catalogue

This short course provides the grounding required for work or study in realist research and evaluation. It introduces key terminology in realist research and differences from common meanings of those terms; assumptions about the nature of reality and knowledge underpinning realist approaches; key differences between realist, empiricist and constructivist philosophies of research; realist understanding of causation and heuristics for causation; differences between realist and other forms of program theory; and the structure of realist research and evaluation questions.

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the relevance of philosophy of science to research methodology and methods. 
2. Explain key concepts and terminology in a realist philosophy of science. 
3. Explain a realist understanding of causation in open systems. 
4. Apply realist philosophical assumptions to explain, in general terms, how policies and programs contribute to different outcomes in different contexts.

This course will be delivered over 4 weeks between 28th April - 25th May 2025.

Participants should have a recognised undergraduate degree and a working understanding of/exposure to the field of evaluation in relation to policy or programs. There is an expectation that applicants will have easy access to a computer and the internet, basic computer literacy skills, a high degree of literacy suitable for reading academic English language texts and are proficient in English. Students will need a personal computer with videoconferencing capability, headset (optional) or quiet environment for online class meetings, and internet connection.

This short course is ideal for postgraduate students using, or considering use of, realist approaches in their research; professionals and academics using realist approaches; and commissioners of realist evaluation and other realist research.