Complexity in Qualitative Research Methodologies

• In Event: Challenging the Paradigmatic and Methodological Norms Within Qualitative Research

Abstract

This conceptual paper problematizes the desired simplicity and excessive predictability of
methodologies aimed to solve complex educational problems and multi-layered educational
practices. It discusses some limitations of the singularity, simplicity and over-predictability of
methodology and desires to strictly follow a single, predetermined, and inflexible way to inquire.
Furthermore, the paper proposes methodological multiplicity and situatedness as strategies to
deal with complexity, highlight relational responsibility, research within ecologies, and
collective knowledge practices especially during unpredictable educational and social problems,
pandemics, and continuously changing ecologies. More specifically, this paper situates
qualitative methodologies into three episto-ontological orders: (1A) Stock Methodologies
(building from the historical past), (1B) Liquid Methodologies (building from fluidity and
flexibility), and (1C) Restless Methodologies (building from ongoing problematization).

Authors

• Mirka E. Koro, Arizona State University

• David L. Carlson, Arizona State University

• Tim Wells, Arizona State University