Complexity theory provides a promising framework for organizing and conducting social work research and evaluation. This book explores the history and roots of complexity and related concepts by garnering an understanding of the components that comprise complex systems. These components include being agent-based, being sensitive to initial conditions, having attraction, being heterogeneous, operating as an iterative process, having boundaries, using feedback, and creating a self-organizing emergent behavior. Readers will learn to frame their research using the components found in complex syste ... More

Complexity theory provides a promising framework for organizing and conducting social work research and evaluation. This book explores the history and roots of complexity and related concepts by garnering an understanding of the components that comprise complex systems. These components include being agent-based, being sensitive to initial conditions, having attraction, being heterogeneous, operating as an iterative process, having boundaries, using feedback, and creating a self-organizing emergent behavior. Readers will learn to frame their research using the components found in complex systems by using their existing knowledge of research methods and applying basic mathematical concepts. Several concepts related to complexity theory are introduced and applied to social work research studies, including bordering between chaos and equilibrium, diverse perspectives, diverse heuristics, robustness, and the wisdom of crowds. Many of the theoretical and mathematical concepts underlying complexity are introduced, such as game theory, graph theory, Boolean logic, decision theory, and network science. Using this background, the reader will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness and networking that this approach provides. Statistical methods familiar to many readers are reviewed and applied to complexity. Readers will gain an understanding of agent-based modeling as a new and evolving computational approach for creating simulations to represent and forecast complex systems. To advance this line of inquiry, a complexity research agenda for social work is developed.