Thinking Complexity in Research

This chapter brings together the points made in earlier chapters, providing an orientation to the ways in which a researcher may use their ‘thinking complexity’ understanding of the social world in order to research aspects of it. Using a hypothetical example of a social work practitioner tackling an issue, which has sparked his curiosity and occupied his reflections, we will explore the factors he – Jim – takes into consideration in establishing and formulating his research question, exploring research design possibilities and their pros and cons and arriving at the decision that the case comparison method will best meet his resources and needs. Jim is both complexity thinker and pragmatist. His choice of research design, methods and analytical frame reflects his awareness of both the possibilities his research offers for furthering his understanding of the issue at hand, as well as the practicalities of actually undertaking research in the context where he works. This stance is reflected in the mixed quantitative and qualitative methods chosen, the time frame within which a comparison of data will take place, and Jim’s strategy for analysing the data, which will reflect his strong theoretical and conceptual grounding. The chapter concludes by drawing together key points relevant to a social worker thinking complexity and acting pragmatically in carrying out research.