Realist Synthesis Masterclass - Vancouver
September 22nd - 24th, 2026

Sylvia Hotel Meeting Room
1154 Gilford Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada, V6G 2P6

Realist Synthesis Masterclass - Vancouver is a three-day training course for applying realist methodology to the task of literature review. Comprising 18 hours of training, the programme will include a range of activities including didactic sessions, practical exercises and one-to-one consultations. There are no pre-requisites for this course. However upon registration, participants will be provided with recommended readings for preparation.

The workshop will address the following topics:

How to establish programme and middle-range theories suitable for literature review;
How to guide decisions about the scope of the review;
How to search, screen, and select papers for inclusion;
How to appraise papers;
How to read and code papers using realist logic;
How to use data sources to construct context-mechanism-outcome configurations;
How to establish a rigorous, transparent and retroductive line of analysis;
How to conduct a rapid realist synthesis;
How to use realist synthesis for programme development;
How to convey findings from a realist synthesis.

DAY 1: September 22nd, 2026

Module A: Realist Synthesis: Philosophy, Principles and Practice
9:00am - 12:00pm (PDT)

Module B: Initial Programme Theories and Middle Range Theories
1:30pm - 4:30pm (PDT)

DAY 2: September 23rd, 2026

Module C: Database Searching and Screening the Literature
9:00am - 12:00pm (PDT)

Module D: Appraising the Literature
1:30pm - 4:30pm (PDT)

DAY 3: September 24th, 2026

Module E: Realist Coding, Data Extraction and Analysis
9:00am - 12:00pm (PDT)

Module F: CMO Configuring, Visualizing and Disseminating Findings
1:30pm - 4:30pm (PDT)

Fee:

Professional: $1260 Early Bird** ($1455 Regular)
Student*: $945 Early Bird** ($1150 Regular)
(*Students must have full time student status)

**Early bird ends August 22nd, 2026

Refund policy:

50% Until (and including) August 22nd, 2026
0% After August 22nd, 2026

For queries please contact Robyn at: admin@realistmethodology-cares.org