Using an Analytic Appraisal Journal for Realist Synthesis-Online
April 3rd-4th & 24th-25th, 2025
This advanced realist synthesis workshop introduces the technique of using an Analytic Appraisal Journal to improve causal thinking for synthesizing evidence from literature. The technique involves a free-writing method for unearthing causal mechanisms and context-mechanism-outcome configurations. A review fundamental principles of realist methodology will be provided, followed by detailed guidance on establishing the technique and using the appraisal journal for optimizing realist synthesis.
Sessions will be delivered across a number of weeks to allow participants the opportunity to practice using the journal techniques on workshop examples, as well as on their own sample of papers. Participants can expect to improve their ability to identify mechanisms and contexts in the published literature, and improve their ability to extrapolate and convey causal understanding from literature to respective areas of inquiry. There will be ample opportunity to receive individualized attention on projects, time to work through research design questions and discuss challenges. This workshop is most suitable for those who are currently in the article selection or analysis stage of a realist synthesis.
Workshop is facilitated by Justin Jagosh.
Participants can expect to:
Establish an analytic appraisal journal for realist synthesis;
Improve causal understanding in line with realist principles;
Identify key insights from the literature, including context-mechanism interactions;
Receive clarity on the difference between summarizing versus extrapolating mechanisms from literature-based evidence;
Learn how to apply the concepts of ‘relevance’, ‘rigour’, and ‘richness’ to the appraisal process;
Develop journaling co-production strategies for engagement with project stakeholders.