This document outlines a variety of methods that can be used to provide a comprehensive analysis of complex issues with uncertain outcomes. It discusses scoping methods to broadly examine contexts, focusing methods for in-depth analysis of particular issues, and linking methods to understand relationships and perspectives. A wide range of qualitative and quantitative techniques are then described, including interviews, focus groups, modeling, literature reviews, and participatory approaches to explore alternatives and uncertainties through an interdisciplinary and transparent process.

1. STEPS Pathways Methods
PART 7
Particular Illustrative Methods
Professor Andy Stirling
Co-director, STEPS Centre
www.steps-centre.org
www.sussex.ac.uk/spru
www.multicriteria-mapping.org

2. SCOPING
breadth of contexts
FOCUSING
depth of particularities
LINKING
relations and perspectives
STEPS METHODOLOGY
Interpretive style
Interactive style
Group Deliberative style
Temporal dimensions
Reflexive dimensions
‘Positive’ style
Quantitative style
Monitoring / surveillance
Uncertain hazard analysis
Natural experiment
Interdisciplinary challenge
Transdisciplinary oversight
Plural conditional advice
Precautionary appraisal
Complex resilience analysis
Post-normal science
Critical literature review
Influence mapping
Alternatives assessment
Millstone critical realism
Social network analysis
In-depth case study
Discourse analysis
Semantic structures
Top-bottom comparison
Semi-structured IVs
Empathetic role play
In-depth, open IVs
participant observation
MCM interviews
Iterative Q method
Cross-frame interrogation
Open space approaches
Participatory soft systems
Participatory appraisal
Ethnographic immersion
Targeted focus groups
Iterative questionnaire
Iterative group MCM
Deliberative dissensus
Bring power to powerless
Open network analysis
Critical systematic review
Agent-based modelling
Repertory grids
Interactive models / GIS
Deliberative polling
Sensitivity analysis
Interval analysis
Diversity mapping
Historiographic research
Futures literatures
Extended foresight
Imaginaries analysis
Visioning / backcasting
Cross-scenario exploring
Do-it-yourself panels
Power tools
Co-operative research
Accountability process
Critical web access
Participatory design
Dissonance exploration
towards a
methods repertoire
help appreciate alternative pathways