Disadvantages of Multidisciplinary/Interdisciplinary Approach

The terms multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary are often used interchangeably in types of research approaches. There is, however, a slight difference between the two terms. Although both research approaches involve combination of different subjects in tackling a certain project or problem, multidisciplinary approach involves a combination of knowledge of different subjects but within a certain disciplinary while interdisciplinary approach goes beyond the disciplinary boundaries. Although both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are helpful in solving complex problems or situation by using knowledge from different subjects, the approaches are faced by a number of challenges, which make them difficult to apply and even may lower their effectiveness in tackling a situation.

A common challenge in multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary approach is in coming up with a common language for all subjects involved. It can be challenging to come up with a way of working out a problem, which is acceptable for everyone while the different involved people have been trained differently on how to approach the problem (Cuevas et al, 2012). Different subjects embrace different ways of approaching a certain problem. It can, therefore, be difficult to come up with a way that is neutral for every one of them. Another challenge is in criticism and evaluation. If researchers from different specialties are working on the same problem, one’s ideas and suggestions can be accepted unquestionably or rejected with no reasonable criticism since neither of them is in a position to constructively criticize the work of the other. The differences in career backgrounds between collaborators can make it difficult to understand each other’s work. This can result to disagreements, lack of consensus and, therefore, affect the end result. If the researchers can find a way to solve the challenges however, the multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary approach can be very rewarding since it involves a wide circle of knowledge.

Reference

Cuevas, H. M., Bolstad, C. A., Oberbreckling, R., LaVoie, N., Mitchell, D. K., Fielder, J., & Foltz, P. W. (2012). Benefits and Challenges of Multidisciplinary Project Teams: “Lessons Learned" for Researchers and Practitioners. The ITEA Journal (International Test and Evaluation Association), 33(1). Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/publication/108