Complex realism in social research

Bibliographic Data

ID4946958
AuthorsMalcolm Williams (0000-0001-7945-1194, Cardiff University, corresponding author), Wendy Dyer (0000-0002-8861-5549, Northumbria University)
Year2017
Volume10
Issue2
Publication date2017-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMethodological Innovations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7991 • E-ISSN: 2059-7991
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/2059799116683564
OpenAlexW2772828331
LanguageEN
Citations received9
References cited16

In recent years, both realism and complexity have begun to have methodological influence in social research. Yet for the most part, these have existed separately and have had limited impact on empirical research. In this article, we develop a theoretical argument for complex realism, grounded in an ontology of probability, that may be operationalised to demonstrate the reality of social change at a micro- and meso-level. We apply our conception of complex realism to an example using the method of longitudinal case-based cluster analysis to analyse the trajectories over time of male and female prisoners aged 18 and above who were at risk of self-harm

Argument (complex analysis · Cluster (spacecraft · Critical realism (philosophy of perception · Epistemology · Harm · Ontology · Realism · Social research · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Health disparities and outcomes · Mental Health Research Topics · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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