Methodology of Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
Interdisciplinary research methodology employs an integrated approach, beginning with complex problems that demand multifaceted solutions through cross-disciplinary collaboration. This approach proves essential for addressing contemporary challenges and developing innovative solutions with significant cognitive and societal impact. By synthesizing diverse disciplinary perspectives and methodologies, it produces novel insights that transcend traditional academic boundaries, ultimately driving meaningful progress in development and innovation.
The intellectual contributions in interdisciplinary research encompass a wide range of fields, which can be classified into:
- Social and Humanities Disciplines:
Education, social sciences, law, psychology, economics, and health sciences.
- Applied and Technological Disciplines:
Computer science, engineering and technology, life sciences, physical sciences, arts, and business.
This diversity enriches research outcomes and strengthens problem-solving capacity through multiple intellectual perspectives. Completed interdisciplinary research should demonstrate clear scientific components - including title, abstract, author names and disciplines, keywords, target journal, references, and evidence of international collaboration - all reflecting the work's collaborative and integrative nature. These elements ensure research quality, effective dissemination, and significant scientific and practical impact.
Criteria for Interdisciplinary Research
Databases employ bibliometric data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate research interdisciplinarity by assessing quantitative conditions and indicators, including:
1.Multi-Subject Classification:
Research classified under multiple scientific fields according to approved subject classifications is considered interdisciplinary
2. Citation Network Analysis:
Examines whether the sources cited in the research originate from different scientific fields, which is a strong indicator of interdisciplinary work.
3. Author and Institutional Collaboration Analysis:
Evaluates the authors' academic backgrounds and the extent of collaboration among different institutions.
4. Journal Classification and Scope:
Classifies journals based on the disciplines they cover; if a journal is interdisciplinary, the research it publishes is often considered interdisciplinary as well.
5. Keyword and Abstract Analysis:
Uses textual analysis to determine whether the research incorporates terminology from multiple disciplines.
6. Research Output Metrics:
Assesses whether the research outcomes offer new insights across multiple disciplines.
Primary and Secondary Scientific Disciplines in THE ranking
- Mandatory Disciplines
- Computer Science – Computer Science
- Engineering and Technology – General Engineering; Electrical and Electronics Engineering; Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering; Civil Engineering; Chemical Engineering
- Life Sciences – Agriculture and Forestry; Biological Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Sports Sciences
- Physical Sciences – Mathematics and Statistics; Physics and Astronomy; Chemistry; Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
- Optional Disciplines
- Health Sciences – Clinical and Preclinical Health Sciences (Medicine and Dentistry); Other Health Disciplines
- Social Sciences – Communication and Media Studies; Politics and International Studies; Sociology; Geography
- Law – Law
- Education – Education
- Psychology – Psychology
- Economics – Economics and Econometrics
- Disciplines Excluded by the Times Classification
- Arts and Humanities – Art, Performing Arts, and Design; Languages, Literature, and Linguistics; History, Philosophy, and Theology; Architecture; Archaeology
- Business – Business and Accounting; Management and Finance
- Health Sciences – Translational Medicine
Important Notes:
- Interdisciplinary research can occur between primary disciplines (11 in total) or among sub-disciplines (31) within the same primary field. For example, research that combines engineering and medicine is considered interdisciplinary at the primary level, while research that integrates mechanical engineering and law is considered interdisciplinary at the sub-disciplinary level.
- According to the THE Interdisciplinary Science Ranking, research is not considered interdisciplinary unless it includes one of four core disciplines—Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or Physical Sciences—at either the primary or sub-disciplinary level. Additionally, research in the Arts and Humanities, Business, or Translational Medicine is excluded from this classification.
Indicators for Evaluating the Quality of Interdisciplinary Research
1. Outside-Discipline Citations:
Measures the percentage of citations the research receives from studies outside its primary discipline
2. Co-Authorship Across Disciplines:
Assesses the range of academic disciplines represented by the researchers involved in the publication
3. Multi-Subject Classification:
Evaluates whether the research is categorized under multiple disciplines in the database.
4. Citation Network Analysis:
Uses bibliometric network analysis to assess the extent of overlap with other fields; citing sources from diverse scientific disciplines indicates a high level of interdisciplinarity.
5. Journal Diversity in Citations:
Measures the diversity of disciplines represented by the journals cited in the research.
6. Institutional Collaboration:
Assesses the level of collaboration among researchers from different universities and academic institutions—research involving a variety of disciplines is considered more interdisciplinary.
