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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
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Articles 1 - 3 of 3
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Bridging The Divide: Tensions Between The Biophysical And Social Sciences In An Interdisciplinary Sustainability Science Project, Susan Gardner
Bridging The Divide: Tensions Between The Biophysical And Social Sciences In An Interdisciplinary Sustainability Science Project, Susan Gardner
Publications
Interdisciplinary research has gained tremendous popularity in higher education over the past several decades and funding for such efforts through federal agencies has underscored its relevance. In sustainability science, in particular, interdisciplinarity is seen as integral to the research endeavor. However, a paucity of empirical evidence exists regarding the process of interdisciplinary endeavors, particularly those that cross the social-biophysical science divide. The current study incorporated insights over a four-year period from 25 faculty members involved in a large, interdisciplinary effort at one institution of higher education in the United States. Issues of disciplinary status, power, and hierarchy were prevalent in …
Interdisciplinarity And Actionable Science: Exploring The Generative Potential In Difference, Bridie Mcgreavy, Linda Silka, Laura Lindenfeld
Interdisciplinarity And Actionable Science: Exploring The Generative Potential In Difference, Bridie Mcgreavy, Linda Silka, Laura Lindenfeld
Publications
Community practice and actionable science share a commitment to solving complex problems to promote sustainability. Collective abilities to address these types of problems rely on interdisciplinary collaborations that also offer unique challenges. In this case study of a statewide interdisciplinary setting, we focus on key methodological differences related to problem identification, stakeholder involvement, competing research paradigms, and orientations towards communication. We argue the generative potential in interdisciplinarity is enhanced through sustained effort and attention to difference; acceptance of the ethical responsibility to reflect critically on power in shared decision making spaces; and strategic interventions to continually promote and improve learning.
Cooperation Across Organizational Boundaries: Experimental Evidence From A Major Sustainability Science Project, Timothy M. Waring, Sandra Goff, Julia B. Mcguire, Dylan Moore, Abigail Sullivan
Cooperation Across Organizational Boundaries: Experimental Evidence From A Major Sustainability Science Project, Timothy M. Waring, Sandra Goff, Julia B. Mcguire, Dylan Moore, Abigail Sullivan
Publications
Engaged research emphasizes researcher–stakeholder collaborations as means of improving the relevance of research outcomes and the chances for science-based decision-making. Sustainability science, as a form of engaged research, depends on the collaborative abilities and cooperative tendencies of researchers. We use an economic experiment to measure cooperation between university faculty, local citizens, and faculty engaged in a large sustainability science project to test a set of hypotheses: (1) faculty on the sustainability project will cooperate more with local residents than non-affiliated faculty, (2) sustainability faculty will have the highest level of internal cooperation of any group, and (3) that cooperation may …