[quoting Hart, 20 Mar 97] To my mind the difference between mathematical modelers and qualitative modelers is their distance from the subject - their willingness to get their hands dirty or to wade through the 'slimy swamp'. Mathematical modelers (like laboratory researchers) see virtue in maintaining a distance from their subjects. I don't know him, but on the basis of his prose style, Kurt Van Lehn seems to fall into this category. Qualitative modelers like Laurillard are first and foremost teachers themselves who perceive and appreciate complexity.
I can't imagine anyone accusing Kurt of not appreciating complexity. What does distinguish his work from the mainstream of educational research is that he also appreciates the need for precision. I suppose that if one feels that precise thinking precludes an appreciation for complexity, one might think that Van Lehn could not possibly appreciate complexity.