It focuses on ‘what works, for who, why and in which circumstances’ using Context, Mechanism and Outcome Configurations (CMOC) as opposed to asking only whether or not an intervention ‘works’. Realist evaluation is used to understand and evaluate complex social programmes (Pawson & Tilley, Citation1997). Realist researchers have found using the programme challenging but valuable in advancing the robustness of qualitative research (Bergin, Citation2011). NVivo, a form of CAQDAS, ‘supports code-based inquiry, searching, and theorizing combined with ability to annotate and edit documents’ (Richards, Citation1999, p, 412). This effectively creates a structured track record of the analytical process, which increases its rigour and transparency.Ĭomputer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) has been used as an aid to data analysis in qualitative research in several methodological fields, including grounded theory (Bringer et al., Citation2004), interpretative phenomenological analysis (Clare et al., Citation2008) and realist meta theory (BERGIN, Citation2011). We propose that the use of NVivo in realist approaches can help structure the iterative and by nature ‘messy’ process of generating, refining and testing complex programme theories when drawing on multiple data sources simultaneously. RAMESES I and II have provided a platform to improve transparency in reporting realist research, by developing consensus and evidence-based reporting guidelines. In this project, NVivo helped create an explicitly documented and evidenced audit trail of the process of programme theory refinement, answering to calls for further transparency in realist analysis.

This article presents the evolving and complex process of coding several data sources to nodes and child nodes, whilst writing ‘attached memos’ to highlight the process of theory generation. This paper will describe the way in which Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software, specifically, NUD*IST Vivo (NVivo), was used to build and refine programme theories (using literature and interview data) in a realist evaluation. There have been several calls for more transparency in realist methods, particularly in the complex process of programme theory development and refinement.

Nvivo meaning