The Evolution of the Typology of Interdisciplinary Research: A Historical-genealogical Study

Abstract

Interdisciplinary research has been developing dramatically in the recent two decades. Reviewing the related literature shows that such research is very important in terms of its methodology and typology. This study aims to compare, describe, and determine different categories of interdisciplinary research considering their historical trends through a documentary research approach in a way other than the ones which have been done so far. This research applies a genealogical perspective to find roots of different categorizations of interdisciplinary research despite all the existing consistency and inconsistency. It also seeks to propose a new dialogue in this regard. The study indicates an overlap between different categories of research. In addition, interdisciplinary research along with changes in the role of universities has emphasized on a structural-practical categorization rather than a structural one in the late 20th century till recent decades. In the same way, the nature of knowledge has changed from an academic one to a post-academic one.

Keywords

• interdisciplinary research
• structural categorization
• structural-practical categorization