After years of conflicted, epistemological debate about the best approach for conducting research, social and human behavior scientists have acknowledged what we have inherently known all along: understanding the complexity and mystery of humans requires every resource and tool that we can muster! Design Complexity, sometimes known as mixed methods, is a pragmatic and powerful approach that health care scientists now use to ‘make sense’ of their world. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of Design Complexity’s development. The paper will provide a synopsis of the theoretical and methodological foundations of Design Complexity, distinguish it from qualitative and quantitative methodology, and clarify terminology and definitions. Current controversies within the field will also be discussed and specific examples provided to illustrate topics.
Session #1123 - Qualitative Research Symposium: Complex Designs
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)