Essentials of Transdisciplinary Research: Using Problem-Centered Methodologies

Transdisciplinarity research is issue-driven, addressing contemporary social questions from a range of critical theoretical perspectives unhampered by the theoretical and methological restrictions of traditional disciplinary boundaries. In this brief, informative guide, Patricia Leavy shows how a transdisciplinary approach can produce more effective results for qualitative researchers hoping to ameliorate social problems and foster social justice. She explains its relationship to multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and its value in community-based and arts-based research projects. Providing the key principles and methods needed to conduct a transdisciplinary study, Leavy also offers numerous examples from multiple research sectors to show its effectiveness. Ideal as a brief introductory text for students engaged in this style of research.

Patricia Leavy is associate professor in the Sociology Criminology Department, and the founding director of the Gender Studies Program, at Stonehill College. She is author or editor of nine other books on research methods. Leavy is also the editor of the Oxford University Press book series Understanding Qualitative Research.