Do you prefer to be a researcher focusing only on one field/area, or be an Interdisciplinary or Multidisciplinary researcher doing cross-cutting research? , and why?
Since commencing my academic research in 2000, I have strived for what I call a post-disciplinary approach. As a critical studies scholar, I find value in the varied approaches of multiple perspectives, and how these might be used to provide insight into a problem domain. To my mind, post-disciplinary work almost rejects the idea of a disciplinary boundary. There is, however a risk with this approach. As a researcher, if you are seeking to publish in some of the more established journals, these tend to be organised within strictly defined disciplinary boundaries. It is 'more' difficult (yet not impossible) to gain acceptance for publication if you connect well with the literature of the journal's discipline; you will have to work harder if your starting point is outside. With my own work, I have found it preferable to publish in monograph form.
I think both approaches have a rather obvious series of advantages and disadvantages. So, the decision should be made based on a combination of your own preferences and the range of career options available in your areas of interest.
Thank you David Atkinson for sharing your personal experiences. I do agree that whilst diversity in research is valuable and can add/build your knowledge base, however the risks related to publishing in high impact journals can/may be a deterrence thereof.
Thank you David L Morgan . Yes it does come down to personal preference and interest is a specific area/s.
A researcher who specializes in a particular field can acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise in that field, which can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. However, this specialization may limit their ability to see the bigger picture and may prevent them from identifying connections between their field and other areas. Additionally, they may face difficulties in communicating their findings to individuals from other fields.
On the other hand, an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary researcher has the advantage of being able to connect ideas and approaches from different fields, leading to new insights and innovative solutions. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex problems and can lead to cross-cutting discoveries. However, such researchers may face challenges in balancing their time between multiple fields and may struggle to maintain a deep level of knowledge in each area.
In my opinion, both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal interests, research goals, and the problem being studied. Some researchers may choose to specialize in a particular field, while others may opt for a more interdisciplinary approach to their work. I would like to have an interdisciplinary approach.
Thank you Dps Samanta , You have given a well articulated view from different perspectives. This is appreciated.
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