ERIC Number: EJ1479424
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
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ISSN: ISSN-1081-4760
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Available Date: 0000-00-00
Epistemic and Social Diversity as an Aspect of Evaluating Interdisciplinary Research
Sarah Patricia Wendt; Ludmila Litvin; Fabian Hempel
Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, v42 n1-2 p223-248 2024
Scientific disciplines have been primary units of epistemic and institutional differentiation in modern research systems, encompassing the specialization of scientists, disciplinary communication systems, discipline-oriented work organization, and discipline-aligned systems of quality control and rewards. In its contemporary outline, the institution of science fosters knowledge production within disciplinary boundaries while disincentivizing interdisciplinary research. Emphasizing organizational structures that accommodate interdisciplinary paradigms, we argue that evaluation systems able to assess research output transcending disciplinary boundaries are necessary to support inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge production. Transforming current evaluation systems requires a deeper understanding of scientific pluralism and a corresponding conception of epistemic diversity. Drawing primarily on arguments from decolonial theory and science and technology studies, we conceptualize epistemic and social diversity as intersecting dimensions in evaluating inter- and transdisciplinary research. Finally, with a particular focus on neuroscientific (inter-)disciplines, we reconsider how translating epistemic and social diversity into research evaluation practice can do justice to and potentially advance the plurality of inter- and transdisciplinarity.
Descriptors: Epistemology, Interdisciplinary Approach, Social Influences, Diversity, Research, Evaluation
Association for Interdisciplinary Studies. Oakland University, Macomb County, 44575 Garfield Road Building UC2 Suite 103, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Tel: 586-263-6098; Fax: 586-263-6261; e-mail: ais@interdisciplinarystuides.org; Web site: https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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