How does formative realist case evaluation differ from experimental evaluations?

Formative realist case evaluation is centered around understanding the complexity of social interventions by emphasizing the narrative of change processes. This approach aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to observed outcomes, providing a rich contextual analysis that reflects the experiences and stories of those involved. By focusing on the narrative aspect, it captures how and why changes occur, rather than just the final outcomes themselves.

This stands in contrast to experimental evaluations, which typically prioritize quantifiable outcomes derived from controlled settings. Experimental designs often seek to test specific hypotheses under standardized conditions, leading to relatively straightforward conclusions based on the data collected. However, formative realist case evaluation acknowledges the intricate dynamics of real-world scenarios, which can vary widely and cannot be fully understood through numbers alone.

Other options (like focusing solely on quantitative outcomes or relying exclusively on controlled settings) do not align with the foundational tenets of formative realist case evaluation, as this approach values qualitative insights and the contextualized understanding of change over rigid statistical measures or controlled experiments. Prioritizing a single measurement over time also misses the broader scope of change narratives that formative realist case evaluation aims to explore.