Zeitschrift für Evaluation: Issue 1/2025, 24. Volume Two Application Examples of Realist Evaluation for the Qualitative Identification of Impact Mechanisms

In this article we explore the concept of mechanisms and use of two empirical stud-ies from Germany and Switzerland to show how mechanisms can be determined theoretically and qualitatively empirically by the concept of realist evaluation (RE). Through the projects presented and with regard to the current state of research, challenges in the application of RE in evaluation projects are identified, particularly in empirical realization, and will be systematized along the phases of the evaluation and research process. This is followed by recommendations for dealing with these difficulties so that the empirical identification of mechanisms by RE can be more successful.

Keywords
mechanism, realist evaluation, impact evaluation, impact plausibilisation