An Introduction to Realist Evaluation and Its Methods: What Works, for Whom, in What Respects, to What Extent, in What Contexts, and How?

Abstract

This article introduces Realist Evaluation (RE) for public policy assessment. RE finds its justification in the limitations of dominant practices, as impact evaluation techniques, to explain why did an intervention or program exhibit effects, or not. The notion of change or transformation in re focusses in the study of human agency in context, or the way in which individuals and human collectives act upon private or public interventions. The text delves in methodological proposals for the implementation of a RE, tasks that will entail interdisciplinary efforts to refine alternative theories on what works, for whom, in what respects, to what extent, in what contexts, and how. The introduction of the document includes a brief discussion about the potential of these types of frameworks to contribute to strengthening the design and the implementation of policy initiatives that better respond to the needs of a society that prepares itself for a post-conflict era.