Complex Systems Science and Community-Based Research

Abstract

There is an abundance of community-based research literature that incorporates complex system science concepts and techniques. However, currently there is a gap in how these concepts and techniques are being used, and, more broadly, how these two fields complement one another. The debate on how complex systems science meaningfully bolsters the deployment of community-based research has not yet reached consensus, therefore, we present a protocol for a new scoping review that will identify characteristics at the intersection of community-based research and complex systems science. This knowledge will enhance the understanding of how complex systems science, a quickly evolving field, is being utilized in community-based research and practice.

The Integration of Complex Systems Science and Community-Based Research: A Scoping Review

“…As reported in our published scoping review protocol [4], this scoping review followed the reporting guidelines as set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA; [24]) and JBI's Reviewer's Manual [25], and was assessed for quality using the AMSTAR 2.0 checklist [26].…”

“…Additionally, practical and community-driven approaches, such as causal-loop diagramming [28] and group model building [31], contribute to measuring system dynamics. See Moore and colleagues' (2021) scoping review protocol for a full list of concepts as search terms used to define an initial search of the literature [4]. CBR serves as a bridge between science and practice through community engagement, stakeholder involvement, and social action, all with the overarching goal of fostering social justice and equity [6,32].…”

“…These systems exhibit rich variation and outcomes that cannot be attributed to a single mechanism alone. To capture this complexity, CSS identifies several general properties, such as heterogeneity, emergence, and interdependence [3,4]. Recognizing the value of these properties in unraveling complex phenomena, numerous fields, including CBR, have adopted this framework to tackle challenging and multifaceted issues.…”

“…More recently, journal Special Issues have been dedicated to the overlap between CSS and CBR [22]. Despite the growing utilization of these combined approaches, their deployment and impact remain relatively unexplored, with no existing scoping review encompassing both CSS and CBR [4]. Exploring the overlap between CSS and CBR can uncover synergies and complementarities between these two fields, leading to more integrated and holistic solutions to complex problems.…”

“…While publishing a scoping review protocol is not mandatory, it is increasingly considered best practice to make it publicly available before starting a scoping review. Unlike our previous publication outlining the protocols used for this scoping review [4], this manuscript delves into the substantive results of the scoping review. By presenting our findings, we contribute valuable insights into the key concepts within CSS and CBR.…”