Quanta, Quarks, and Families: Implications of Quantum Physics for Family Research

This paper offers recommendations for family research in light of the scientific paradigm ushered in by quantum physics in the early twentieth century. After summarizing the basic discoveries of quantum physics, the author discusses philosophical implications of these discoveries, and then presents implications for conducting scientific research about families within a post‐Newtonian paradigm that emphasizes relations, process, and dynamic causation. The author argues for using complementary research models, including linear and systemic, because no one theory or methodology can illuminate fully the inscrutable nature of family processes.