Searching for Appropriate Ways to Face the Challenges of Complexity and Dynamics

Type
01A - Journal article
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Parent work
British Journal of Social Work
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Volume
41
Issue / Number
4
Pages / Duration
668-688
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Publisher / Publishing institution
Oxford University Press
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Abstract
People, as bio-psychological systems, are just as dynamic and complex as the social systems that they create. Social work intervenes in the interplay of these two complex, dynamic systems. How can we capture these complexities and dynamics in social work research and practice? The paper introduces the theoretical grounds on which a mixed-methods design has been developed combining a longitudinal quantitative method called Real Time Monitoring that produces dense time series data with qualitative methods (biographical and reflecting interviews) within the framework of grounded theory. After some short notes on the methodology, its application is demonstrated alongside a case example. Because complexity and dynamics challenge not only research, but also the practice of social work, the approach is finally discussed in view of the ‘realistic evaluation’ paradigm.
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ISBN
ISSN
0045-3102
1468-263X
Language
English
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Unknown
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
No peer review
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Citation
Sommerfeld, P., & Hollenstein, L. (2011). Searching for Appropriate Ways to Face the Challenges of Complexity and Dynamics. British Journal of Social Work, 41(4), 668–688. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcr057