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The Methodology of Interdisciplinary Research framework

The Methodology of Interdisciplinary Research framework

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Many of today’s global scientific challenges require the joint involvement of researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds (social sciences, environmental sciences, climatology, medicine, etc.). Such interdisciplinary research teams face many challenges resulting from differences in training and scientific culture. Interdisciplinary educatio...

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... Current global challenges such as water scarcity, food insecurity and urbanization, involve the interaction between humans and their environment rendering a single disciplinary approach inadequate to solve them. The study of the interaction between humans and their environment requires knowledge and research methodology from different disciplines (Tobi, & Kampen, 2017) such as the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities (Kagan, 2009;Rutting et al., 2016). There has been a longstanding call for interdisciplinary research involving the social and natural sciences to manage complex societal issues (Das, & Paital, 2021;Fischer et al., 2011;German et al., 2010). ...
... To generate practical outcomes, agroforestry research should be conducted within the pragmatic paradigm. With a pragmatic philosophical approach, assumptions are less important than ensuring the study meets its practical demands regarding data collection and interpretation (Tobi, & Kampen, 2017). Therefore, from the pragmatic position, potentially contradictory ontological and epistemological assumptions are less important than situational responsiveness. ...
... Therefore, interdisciplinary teams need to be pragmatic since the research questions and hypotheses agreed on take the lead in the study design instead of traditional approaches. However, Tobi, & Kampen (2017) warn that the so-called ''paradigm war'' between neopositivists versus constructivists within the social and behavioral sciences may complicate pragmatic collaboration. This is because natural sciences tend to adopt a positivist, reductionist approach looking for the 'truth', while in social science, a more social constructivist approach is taken. ...
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This paper provides a framework for interdisciplinary research (IDR) methodology in agroforestry, motivated by a general belief that by drawing information from different fields and employing different methodologies, a broad understanding of an existing issue can be achieved. Literature from four scientific paradigms was reviewed to recommend a suitable paradigm for IDR in agroforestry. We promote a pluralistic approach around the concept of ‘what works’ such that agroforestry research and extension focus on applications of techniques to solve a problem. The study suggests a framework for IDR in the context of developing countries by modifying an existing Methodology for Interdisciplinary Research (MIR) framework that was developed to help cross disciplinary borders, especially those between the natural sciences and the social sciences. The existing framework is however limited to real-life applications in teaching and research. We contend that agroforestry research should be seen to benefit the rural poor, foster innovation and farm productivity to feed the growing world population and help farmers adapt to the changing climate. The suggested IDR framework therefore caters for extension and feedback mechanisms, that appear to be the missing link between research and education. The new framework further provides for social relevance and the generation of data for informing policy decisions relating to sustainable agriculture. The paper also highlights the main barriers and opportunities for implementing IDR in agroforestry. The current and future global complex agricultural challenges require experts with interdisciplinary experience. Therefore, interdisciplinary research in agroforestry must increasingly become the standard rather than the exception because the approaches needed and the implications of agroforestry research are by their very nature interdisciplinary.
... Derived data products may serve as links between disparate datasets, enabling researchers to identify and explore related data with common themes. For instance, categorizing and indexing derived products can facilitate the discovery of adjacent datasets that may not be immediately apparent, thus encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers from various disciplines (Tobi & Kampen, 2018). The availability of processed data further facilitates education and training, allowing educators to incorporate real-world, up-to-date environmental data into their classroom-promoting environmental literacy and inspiring the next generation of scientists and policy makers. ...
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The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) provides over 180 distinct data products from 81 sites (47 terrestrial and 34 freshwater aquatic sites) within the United States and Puerto Rico. These data products include both field and remote sensing data collected using standardized protocols and sampling schema, with centralized quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) provided by NEON staff. Such breadth of data creates opportunities for the research community to extend basic and applied research while also extending the impact and reach of NEON data through the creation of derived data products—higher level data products derived by the user community from NEON data. Derived data products are curated, documented, reproducibly‐generated datasets created by applying various processing steps to one or more lower level data products—including interpolation, extrapolation, integration, statistical analysis, modeling, or transformations. Derived data products directly benefit the research community and increase the impact of NEON data by broadening the size and diversity of the user base, decreasing the time and effort needed for working with NEON data, providing primary research foci through the development via the derivation process, and helping users address multidisciplinary questions. Creating derived data products also promotes personal career advancement to those involved through publications, citations, and future grant proposals. However, the creation of derived data products is a nontrivial task. Here we provide an overview of the process of creating derived data products while outlining the advantages, challenges, and major considerations.
... The integration of multiple disciplines in doctoral research fosters a holistic understanding of complex issues, along with paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries that transcend traditional boundaries . At the core of interdisciplinary research lies the convergence of diverse perspectives, methodologies, and theories drawn from various fields (Tobi & Kampen, 2018;. This fusion enriches the research process and cultivates a breeding ground for creativity and critical thinking. ...
... This fusion enriches the research process and cultivates a breeding ground for creativity and critical thinking. Doctoral candidates engaged in interdisciplinary research are often at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, such as climate change, urban planning, and public health crises, demonstrating the far-reaching implications of their work (Rana et al., 2022;Rana et al., 2020;Tobi & Kampen, 2018). ...
... This trend also highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches in research, especially in doctoral and higher-degree studies, which are cornerstones in terms of producing new researchers (Boon & Van Baalen, 2018;Manathunga et al., 2006). One of the key fundamental reasons for the rising importance of interdisciplinary research is the intricacy of modern problems (Boon & Van Baalen, 2018;Tobi & Kampen, 2018). Issues such as climate change, urban planning, public health crises, technological innovation, and social inequality are multifaceted and may not be adequately addressed through a singular disciplinary lens (Rana et al., 2022;Thomas et al., 2020). ...
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Interdisciplinary approaches are increasingly integral in doctoral and higher research education, addressing complex global challenges through collaborations across disciplines. This review investigates the benefits, challenges, and educational impact of interdisciplinary approaches in doctoral research. This scoping review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and uses an integrative narrative synthesis. The review was conducted using four major academic databases (ERIC, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) with an exploratory search using keywords related to interdisciplinary approaches, doctoral studies, and academic collaborations. The review synthesized evidence from studies published in English, focusing on interdisciplinary research in doctoral education, with no restrictions on study design. Eligibility criteria were based on the SPIDER tool (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type). The search was completed on 25 September 2024. The initial search retrieved n = 954 articles, with n = 167 articles being reviewed for the integrative synthesis. The review included studies that examined interdisciplinary collaborations in doctoral research, highlighting the benefits such as skill versatility, career readiness, and research adaptability. The challenges discussed included academic culture differences, communication barriers, and institutional silos. The role of academic institutions and supervisors in supporting interdisciplinary research through fostering collaborative environments was emphasized. The review provides insights into how interdisciplinary approaches can enhance doctoral education, preparing graduates to tackle global challenges. It highlights the need for improved integration of interdisciplinary practices in doctoral research and outlines future directions for fostering interdisciplinary collaborations in higher education.
... Research design is the part that describes the framework for solving the problem being studied (Tobi & Kampen, 2018). This section is very important for researchers to pay attention to because it is closely related to the characteristics of the research. ...
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... Guidelines exist for many aspects of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, e.g., [11,12], and many professionals are using these approaches [13][14][15][16]. For example, an evidence-based framework can guide the implementation of interdisciplinary research after the shared research question and objectives have been determined [17]. A policy science approach with an emphasis on problem identification, via social and decision processes, can aid sustainable natural resource management for natural and physical scientists [18]. ...
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A common problem for interdisciplinary sustainability research is that scientists trained in different disciplines are often not rowing their boat effectively in the same direction. Sustainability tools can aid the implementation of this team-melding process. Here, our purpose is to illustrate our Multi-step Integrated graphical and structured discussion eXercise (MIX) tool that transforms diverse disciplinary experts into an interdisciplinary team. We use a visual puzzle-solving approach based on the blind men and the elephant metaphor (BMEM) because this story illustrates the shortcomings of siloed viewpoints and the need to integrate multiple perspectives. Our six-step MIX tool provides step-specific objectives, group activities, discussion questions, and learning outcomes. Activities promote experiential learning for team problem solving. The step-specific structured discussions are designed to get each individual to change their focus from their own discipline (i.e., an elephant trunk, tail, leg, or other isolated pieces of the whole animal) to the team’s interdisciplinary goal (i.e., the whole elephant or the entire multi-faceted problem). In our example proof of concept, we show that a narrow focus on only economic yield (trunk), ecological conservation (legs), or human values (tail) misrepresents the biologically involved sustainability problem (elephant) and blocks innovative solutions.
... A lack of mutual understanding can often be explained by the absence of a common language (Aboelela et al., 2007;Boix Mansilla, Lamont, and Sato 2016;Holmes et al., 2018;Igel et al., 2018;Scanlon and Conole 2018;Wudarczyk et al., 2021;Russell 2022;Scharff and Stone 2022). Education in different disciplines, and thus different epistemic systems, teach researchers to speak very specific academic languages (Leahey 2016;Tobi and Kampen 2018;Halfon and Sovacool 2023;Eigi-Watkin et al., 2024). As these language differences are often tacit, it is difficult to be aware of them and to discuss them directly with colleagues in an IDR project (Valentin, Norn, and Alkaersig 2016). ...
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Many complex problems and emerging phenomena require joint research efforts across academic disciplines. Interdisciplinary research (IDR) is therefore widely considered a promising approach to knowledge production. At the same time, however, this form of research poses significant challenges for those involved. In this paper, we review the literature on IDR from the perspective of individual researchers engaging in or considering this type of research. We conducted a broad literature review covering the past 35 years of research on IDR. The review is structured along four typical questions that researchers have regarding IDR: "Why bother?" (Reasons for considering IDR); "Is it for me?" (The profile of IDR researchers); "How do I work with 'them'?" (Obstacles of interdisciplinary collaboration); "What am I getting myself into?" (Challenges for IDR researchers). We analyzed the literature so that we could distill answers to those questions. We conclude our paper by emphasizing the inherent ambiguities of interdisciplinary research and proposing a set of self-reflective questions to help navigate the complexities of this research approach.
... In this study, international and interdisciplinary collaboration, represented by the composition of the study team from diverse countries and disciplines, as well as the choice of mixed-methodology, facilitates a comprehensive examination of the zoonotic disease risks by considering various perspectives and elds of knowledge. The integration of quantitative and qualitative methods is still underrepresented in One Health research designs, and although challenging to implement, it broadens perspectives within the eld of study [33][34][35] . Thus, the quantitative KAP survey provides baseline information and patterns of knowledge, attitudes, and practices, that are essential for developing targeted public health interventions and policies. ...
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The emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases is a critical global challenge. Deforestation, land use changes, and urbanization have led to increased human-wildlife interactions, raising the likelihood of pathogen spillover. Wildlife trade, including handling and consumption, contributes significantly to this risk. This study aims to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards zoonotic disease risks, wildlife trade, and consumption among rural and urban populations in Bolivia, Chile, Guatemala and Brazil, including indigenous communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study included a quantitative KAP survey with 3600 interviewees, qualitative in-depth interviews with 15 key actors and 6 focus group discussions to develop targeted educational interventions within the communities. This study's mixed-methods design provides quantitative baseline information, as well as qualitative context and depth, allowing for comprehensive insights into KAP in the communities in Latin America. To address the complex interplay of human, animal, and environmental factors, the One Health approach is applied with a focus on international and interdisciplinary collaboration. The participatory approach promotes mutual ownership and sustainability of public health interventions.
... to the science-technology-society triad, the so-called wicked problems , the doctoral research concerns what works in the real world (Robson, 2002;Xiang, 2013), towards a practiceoriented knowledge (Buchanan, 1992;. Which requires consistently applying mixed research methodologies, without transgressing disciplinary boundaries , but rather integrating different disciplines in an inherently interdisciplinary approach (Tobi & Kampen, 2018). ...
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Over the past three decades, the digital and information revolution has reshaped design methodologies, offering dynamic and multi-level modelling approaches. Urban Digital Twins have emerged as a powerful tool for Smart Cities, facilitating scenario assessments and citizen engagement. However, rural and mountainous areas face challenges due to poor connectivity and digital infrastructure, hindering technological advancements in design processes. This doctoral thesis aims to develop sustainable workflows for virtual landscape reconstructions, integrating diverse data sources and tools to support landscape and urban design in mountainous regions. The concept of a ready-made model is introduced, assembling digital procedures to address specific contextual challenges. The research employs qualitative and quantitative methodologies across different landscape scales and case studies in the Autonomous Province of Trento, Italy. Experimental-instrumental findings contribute to theoretical-methodological insights, enhancing understanding of complex territorial transformations. The thesis focuses on landscape topography, built environment, and green infrastructure, providing a holistic perspective for digital reconstruction and management. The ultimate goal is to create a Territorial Digital Twin, a three-dimensional repository of knowledge and simulator for resilient futures, bridging gaps in strategic planning and process management at the landscape scale.
... The findings suggests that the career panel helped students recognize the importance of developing both technical and non-technical skills, with several students discussing how they plan to cultivate these abilities. Familiarity with diverse methodologies and skills enables interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to address complex ocean-related challenges comprehensively (Tobi & Kampen, 2018). Our findings are consistent with McNeal et al. (2023) who identified from students' postsurveys that students consider methodologies such as observations, sampling, and analysis to be central to the work of geoscientists. ...
... The methodological approach is situated with an established interdisciplinary framework an adaptation of the Multi Interdisciplinary Research (MIR) (Tobi & Kampen 2018) framework to refine methods and instruments of research based on synthesis of established community intervention/ co design evaluative methods). ...
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