The “Realist Search”: a systematic scoping review of current practice and reporting

This study reviews reports of search methods in 34 realist reviews published withi n the calendar year of 2016. Data from all eligible reviews were extracted against the search framework. Realist search reports poorly differentiate between the different search components. Review teams often conduct a single “big bang” multi‐purpose search to fulfil multiple functions within the review. However, it is acknowledged that realist searches are likely to be iterative and responsive to emergent data. Overall the search for empirical studies appears most comprehensive in conduct and reporting detail. In contrast, searches to identify and refine programme theory are poorly cond ucted, if at all, and poorly reported. Use of this framework offers greater transparency in conduct and reporting while preserving flexibility and methodological innovation.

Source: Research Synthesis Methods - November 11, 2019 Category: Chemistry Authors: Andrew Booth, Simon Briscoe, Judy M. Wright Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research