ABSTRACT
Realist evaluations are characterised by iterative processes wherein analysis and data collection processes are interwoven. Accordingly, realist evaluators must pay particular attention to the analytical strategies applied throughout the realist inquiry process. Informed by a comprehensive review of published realist evaluations, this chapter examines the analytical strategies and techniques applied by realist evaluators. The authors found that about nine of ten cases applied non-experimental research designs and used qualitative or mixed-methods. About six of ten applied one or more explicit analytical techniques. Thematic analysis was the most widespread analytical technique. The chapter concludes with a discussion on how to advance analytical rigour in future realist evaluations.
