Combining complexity-framed research methods for social research

Research methods with roots in complexity science are increasingly popular in social research. However, they are not widespread and have potential to deliver value more fully and consistently to social research and methodology. One reason for this is that methods are often used alone, or only with t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of social research methodology Vol. 25; no. 6; pp. 835 - 848
Main Authors Barbrook-Johnson, Pete, Carrick, Jayne
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 02.11.2022
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Complexity
Difficulty Level
methods in combination
Research Design
Research Methodology
research methods
Simulation
Social research
Social Science Research
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Summary:Research methods with roots in complexity science are increasingly popular in social research. However, they are not widespread and have potential to deliver value more fully and consistently to social research and methodology. One reason for this is that methods are often used alone, or only with traditional social research methods. We attempt to support and catalyse the use of complexity-framed methods in combination in social research, by systematically reviewing which methods framed in the language of complexity (not including traditional social research methods) have been combined, how, and why. We do this to make clear the state-of-the-art of combinations and to consider gaps and potential new combinations. We find many examples of different methods used together, with simulation methods well-represented. Most examples appear in recent years despite the methods, and interest in complexity, being around much longer. We identify four types of combination, seven purposes, and consider future directions.
ISSN:1364-5579
1464-5300
DOI:10.1080/13645579.2021.1946118