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Interdisciplinary Research: Home

This guide is intended to be a starting point for additional topics you should consider when conducting research and writing papers.

Introduction

This guide is intended to be a starting point for additional topics one should consider when conducting research and writing papers. Because the world is interconnected, it is important to consider how different subject-areas are experienced by different types of people. 

What is Interdisciplinary Research?

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and the Institute of Medicine defines interdisciplinary research as "a mode of research by teams or individuals that integrates information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts, and/or theories from two or more disciplines or bodies of specialized knowledge to advance fundamental understanding or to solve problems whose solutions are beyond the scope of a single discipline or area of research practice."

National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering & Institute of Medicine. (2005). Facilitating interdisciplinary research. National Academies Press.

Benefits of Interdisciplinary Research

  • You get a more in-depth understanding of topics when you consider different perspectives.
  • Expand your critical thinking skills when you compare and contrast viewpoints.
  • Gain alternative ways of learning and teaching.
  • By exploring topics across subjects, you may want to learn even more about different subjects.
  • You can use these skills for future learning experiences.
  • Applying different disciplines towards your learning may inspire greater creativity.
  • You gain an increased appreciation and understanding of diversity across the board.

Appleby, M. (2019, March 1).  What are the benefits of interdisciplinary study?. OpenLearn. Retrieved from https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education/what-are-the-benefits-interdisciplinary-study

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