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Effects of transdisciplinary research on scientific knowledge and reflexivity

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  • Oskar Marg
  • Lena Theiler

Abstract

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) is conceptualized as not only providing societal effects but also benefiting academia. However, recent literature on the evaluation of TDR has focused almost entirely on the societal effects of TDR. A discussion of the scientific effects of TDR is needed to do justice to the potential of this research mode. To date, little empirical research has focused on the effects of TDR on science. Our explorative study addresses this gap. The empirical basis are qualitative interviews with scientists engaged in transdisciplinary research and anchored in three sub-disciplines: environmental sociology, sustainable chemistry, and participatory health research. We identify as main effects of the transdisciplinary research mode: changes in the understanding of scientific problems, changes in the quality of scientific insights, and the promotion of a reflexive turn in science.

Suggested Citation

  • Oskar Marg & Lena Theiler, 2024. "Effects of transdisciplinary research on scientific knowledge and reflexivity," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 32(4), pages 635-647.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:rseval:v:32:y:2024:i:4:p:635-647.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/reseval/rvad033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stina Hansson & Merritt Polk, 2018. "Assessing the impact of transdisciplinary research: The usefulness of relevance, credibility, and legitimacy for understanding the link between process and impact," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 27(2), pages 132-144.
    2. Wamsler, Christine, 2017. "Stakeholder involvement in strategic adaptation planning: Transdisciplinarity and co-production at stake?," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 148-157.
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    4. Maryam Nastar, 2023. "A Critical Realist Approach to Reflexivity in Sustainability Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-17, February.
    5. Martina Schäfer & Matthias Bergmann & Lena Theiler, 2021. "Systematizing societal effects of transdisciplinary research [‚Wirkungen in Der Partizipativen Gesundheitsforschung: Eine Einordnung in Die Diskurse Zum Forschungsimpact]," Research Evaluation, Oxford University Press, vol. 30(4), pages 484-499.
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