This article presents conceptual and theoretical-methodological aspects considered important in the planning of research on families. The consequences of the pragmatic transition of science, in the production of knowledge related to the family, are evidenced, especially in the variation of objects of study and strategies of investigation. Considering the complexity of the topic "family", to which a multiplicity of theoretical perspective converges, emerges the need of adequate and synchronized use of different strategies and methodological instruments. Understanding of families' complexity cannot be achieved through a single study but a mix of several studies, which appoints to the importance and need of contextualizing the investigation process to better respond to scientific and social demands.
Scientific research; Family; Research methods; Psychology