Mastering Mechanisms with Realist Methodology
January 21st-23rd, 2025
9:45am - 4:30pm
Engineers’ House Conference Centre
The Promenade, Clifton Down
Avon, Bristol
BS8 3NB
‘Mastering Mechanisms’ is a three-day intensive covering the most challenging aspects of conducting a realist research project. We will begin with an overview of realist methodology, followed by a detailed theoretical explanation on generative causation and how to conceptualize mechanisms for investigations using scientific realism. Numerous examples of mechanisms will be provided and participants will have a chance to explore related concepts pertaining to their areas of inquiry. Advice will be offered articulating mechanisms in grant proposals, initial programme theories, realist visuals such as logic models, and in data analysis. This workshop is suitable for those new to realist methodology or who are contemplating how it could be used, as well as those who are currently working on realist projects.
Content covers (but not limited to):
Reviewing principles pertaining to realist methodology;
Defining ‘context’ ‘mechanism’ and ‘outcome’ for CMO configuring;
Exemplifying how mechanisms operate at different levels of a system;
Distinguishing programme mechanisms from programme strategies;
Distinguishing social mechanisms from other forms (e.g., physical and biological mechanisms);
Contrasting single-concept mechanism articulations from dual concept (e.g., response to resources);
Building ontological depth in realist thinking;
Exploring programme mechanisms versus mechanisms outside of programmes (i.e., in context)