[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Mixing Methods in Systems Practice

## Details

**Authors** Brocklesby J

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-16

**Kind of work** article

**Discipline** Systems Science

**Reading level** technical

**Kind of engagement** scholarly

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000021) 
10.54120/jost.0000021

## In authors' words

### Abstract

In recent years much has been said about the benefits of creatively combining research methodologies. The argument has been widely rehearsed especially in the behavioural and social sciences where the virtues of the so-called 'mixed methods' research are widely advocated [1–7]. In the humanities interdisciplinary studies have become popular currency; elsewhere it is possible to detect a shift towards pluralistic thinking where scholars are now more inclined than previously to explore beyond the boundaries of traditionally favoured theories and paradigms, to look at how they might work together, and occasionally to suggest how they might be integrated at the meta-level.

### What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter on creatively combining research methodologies in systems practice.

### What they found (results)

Pluralistic thinking — looking beyond traditionally favored theories and paradigms toward how they might work together, even integrate at the meta-level — has taken hold across the behavioral and social sciences and the humanities.

## Commentary

### In short

Discusses the case for combining methods from different traditions in systems practice.

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

**Patterns it shows** D, S

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

**How to cite this** Brocklesby J (2023). Mixing Methods in Systems Practice. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-16.