Purpose
Exploring and understanding the differences between multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity
Description
Multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Each requires different (research) approaches and competences. Many definitions are around, which underlines the need to come to an agreed upon shared understanding when engaging in a collaboration.
In this activity, through the use of objects as metaphors, participants are prompted to think about what defines multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity. After this phase of exploration a framework is presented, borrowed from Utrecht University’s Transdisciplinary Field Guide.
Instructions
- Introduce differences between multi-, inter- and transdisciplinarity (see slides).
- Briefly introduce the use of metaphors. Some participants will be more familiar/comfortable with the use of metaphors than others. An introduction to metaphors helps to lower the threshold to engage with metaphors.
- Invite participants to explore the objects/materials and add post-its to what they feel the materials/objects represent: multi, inter or transdisciplinarity. Explain that there are no right or wrong answers.
- Moving along the different items, invite participants to share why they marked it as they did.
Phase
Early stages – getting to know each other, developing research ideas
Competences
All
Time
45 – 60 minutes
Group size
6 – 20 persons
Required materials
- Slides
- A table for the items, space for people to move around the table
- a set of objects/materials that can serve as metaphors
Relevant resources
- Transdisciplinary Field Guide
- Metaphors we live by
- New Metaphors
Tips & experience
Choose a variety of objects with different kinds of qualities.