Research
Across
Disciplines:
Sharing Our Stories

Vol. 16, No. 2
ISSN: 1546-2676

Guest Editor:

Dr.Anne
MacCleave

Table of Contents

Call for Papers
Research Across Disciplines: Sharing Our Stories

Objective

To share our experiences about researching across disciplines and subdisciplines inside and outside the field, whether multi, pluri, cross, inter, or transdisciplinary—or some other version. What do we hope to accomplish, what approaches are used, and how do we negotiate differences in paradigm, methodology or method?

Research Across Disciplines: A Cultural Perspective

Anne J. MacCleave

Abstract

What happens when a clinical nutritionist, an interpretive ethnographer, a grounded theorist, a statistician/measurement specialist, and poststructuralist feminist meet to collaborate for a research grant on body image? Excerpts of an imaginary play about this collaboration will be explored by thinking of different research traditions as different cultures and researchers who cross disciplinary boundaries as cultural negotiators. Also explored will be the languages and assumptions of alternative research traditions and issues of incommensurabilty. Recommendations are generated to help this fictional committee submit a coherent proposal and create a mutual space for all to contribute optimally.

Reflections on My Academic Life as an Interdisciplinarian*

Anne J. MacCleave

Abstract

It is an honor to be invited to serve on this keynote panel, and I am thrilled to be able to share experiences with those who understand and appreciate working across disciplinary boundaries. I won’t have to worry about explaining why I chose interdisciplinarity and other non-disciplinary approaches over pure disciplinarity or subject matter specialization. I know that I am speaking to the already converted.

Having shared this perception, I cannot assume that the term “interdisciplinary” has the same meaning for everyone in the audience. I noticed discrepancies in this and related terms over the years and a recent Internet search convinced me that this situation still exists. In fact, my search was an “eye-crossing” experience. As one example, a chemical engineering site in the U.S. described their programs as crossdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary but these terms were presented as if they were synonyms rather than alternative non-disciplinary approaches.

Historical Notions of Transdisciplinarity in Home Economics

Sue L.T. McGregor

Abstract

Transdisciplinarity offers an extension and enrichment of already existing traditions in the home economics discipline and profession. This article provides an overview of historical conceptualizations of home economics as transdisciplinary, featuring Christine. E. J. Daniels (Welsh) and Marjorie M. Brown (American). The paper reveals that as the concept of transdisciplinarity has evolved, so too have home economists’ interpretations of transdisciplinary-informed practice. Home economics can continue to benefit from evolving notions of transdisciplinarity.

Knowledge Generation in Home Economics Using Transdisciplinary Methodology

Sue L.T. McGregor

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe transdisciplinary (TD) methodology, a developing methodology that has potential for erasing disciplinary boundaries in home economics. A review of the roots of TD methodology in home economics will be followed by an explanation of methodology (especial empirical, interpretive, and critical). The four principles/laws/axioms of TD methodology will be examined, and the paper will conclude with speculative remarks on the profession’s readiness to embrace the TD approach. All members of the profession have an abiding obligation to generate new knowledge to enhance family well-being and quality of life; TD methodology is the most recent innovation for that task. When a tipping point is achieved within the profession, the TD methodology can spread widely and profoundly.