Interdisciplinary research : process and theory / created by Allen F. Repko and Rick Szostak

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. About Interdisciplinary Studies and Disciplines1. Introducing Interdisciplinary Studies Learning Outcomes Objectives Defining Interdisciplinary Studies The Intellectual Essence of Interdisciplinarity Distinguishing Interdisciplinarity from Multidisciplinarity, Transdisciplinarity, and Integrative Studies Chapter Summary Notes Exercises2. Introducing the Disciplines and Their Perspectives Learning Outcomes Objectives Defining Disciplinary Perspective How Knowledge is Typically Reflected in the Organization of the Academy Categories of Disciplines Disciplinary Perspectives Unpacking the Defining Elements of a Discipline's Perspective Chapter Summary Notes ExercisesPart II. Drawing on Disciplinary Insights3. Beginning the Research Process Learning Outcomes Objectives The Integrated Model of Interdisciplinary Research Process Key Characteristics of Interdisciplinary Research Step 1: Define the Problem or State the Research Question Step 2: Justify Using an Interdisciplinary Approach Chapter Summary Notes Exercises4. Identifying Relevant Disciplines Learning Outcomes Objectives Select Potentially Relevant Disciplines Map the Problem to Reveal Its Disciplinary Parts Reduce the Number of Potentially Relevant Disciplines to Those That Are Most Relevant Chapter Summary Notes Exercises5. Conducting the Literature Search Learning Outcomes Objectives Meaning of Literature Search Reasons for Conducting the Literature Search Special Challenges Confronting Interdisciplinarians The Initial Literature Search The Full-Scale Literature Search Chapter Summary Notes Exercises6. Developing Adequacy in Relevant Disciplines Learning Outcomes Objectives The Meaning of Adequacy Develop Adequacy in Theories Develop Adequacy in Disciplinary Methods Use and Evaluate Disciplinary Methods in Basic Research Provide In-Text Evidence of Disciplinary Adequacy Chapter Summary Notes Exercises7. Analyzing the Problems and Evaluating Insights Learning Outcomes Objectives Analyze the Problem from Each Discipline's Perspective Evaluate the Insights Produced by Each Discipline Checklist for Evaluating Previous Research Chapter Summary Notes ExercisesPart III. Integrating Insights8. Understanding Integration Learning Outcomes Objectives What Interdisciplinary Integration Is The Controversy Concerning Integration Integration in the Broad Model Questions Raised by This Discussion of Integration Chapter Summary Notes Exercises9. Identifying Conflicts Between Insights and Their Sources Learning Outcomes Objectives Identify Conflicting Insights Locate Sources of Conflict Between Insights Communicate Your Research to the Appropriate Audience Chapter Summary Exercises10. Creating Common Ground Between Insights: Concepts and/or Assumptions Learning Outcomes Objectives About Interdisciplinary Common Ground Create Common Ground Between Conflicting Concepts and/or Assumptions Chapter Summary Notes Exercises11. Creating Common Ground Between Insights: Theories Learning Outcomes Objectives Defining Disciplinary Theory Models, Variables, Concepts, and Causal Relationships Create Common Ground Between Theories When Theories Differ Only Minimally Chapter Summary Notes Exercises12. Constructing a More Comprehensive Understanding or Theory Learning Outcomes Objectives Definition of "More Comprehensive Understanding" Construct the More Comprehensive Understanding From Modified Concepts and/or Assumptions Construct a More Comprehensive Theory from Modified Theory Chapter Summary Notes Exercises13. Reflecting on, Testing, and Communicating the Understanding or Theory Learning Outcomes Objectives Reflect on the More Comprehensive Understanding Test the Quality of Interdisciplinary Work Test the More Comprehensive Understanding Communicate the Results of Integration Chapter Summary Note Exercises14. Conclusion

This book offers a comprehensive and systematic presentation of the interdisciplinary research process and the theory that informs it.