Exploring Avenues to Interdisciplinary Research From Cross- to Multi- to Interdisciplinarity

The purpose of this collection is to contribute to the emerging literature and academic debate in interdisciplinary research and to give new interdisciplinarians a voice. In this book, we present a collection of contributions on interdisciplinary theory and practice, as viewed through the experience of 'new' interdisciplinarians. No research takes place in a vacuum. Research is never neutral or value free; it is conducted by individuals and groups of people who have their own interests, agendas, and backgrounds and histories. In terms of scope, we do not claim to cover all areas of cross-, multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary research in this volume. However, the edited volume represents some of the variety and exciting developments in interdisciplinary research as well as some of the challenges and problems facing interdisciplinary research. The approach taken in compiling this book is based on the premise that it is important to engage in multiple interdisciplinary dialogues that go beyond the confines of one particular discipline and equally beyond the confines of established interdisciplinary fields. In this sense, the book brings together 'emerging' interdisciplinary fields. In summary, the chapters presented in this book illustrate a range of understandings and applications of interdisciplinary research in different research fields. The book contributes to a learned debate about the multifaceted character of interdisciplinary research and illustrates its strengths and limitations.

M. Karanika-Murray is a lecturer of psychology at Nottingham Trent University. R. Wiesemes is a senior research fellow at the University of Nottingham. They are the cofounders of the Cross-disciplinary Research Group.