Table 1 Context-mechanism-outcome configuration

Context-mechanism-outcome (CMO)

A CMO configuration is a proposition stating what it is about a programme which works for whom in what circumstances.

Context

Realist evaluators seek to understand ‘for whom and in what circumstances’ a programme works through the study of contextual condition.

Mechanism

Realist evaluators seek to understand ‘why’ a programme works through an understanding of the action of mechanisms.

Outcomes

Outcomes provide the key evidence for the realist evaluator in any recommendation to mount, monitor, modify, or mothball a programme.