1. Introduction
The focus of the paper has changed significantly since the last deadline. The term interdisciplinary research (IDR) is often used synonymously, even though different things are meant. It is claimed, that a more fine-grained definition of the term – including the kind, degree and time-frame of interdisciplinarity – is needed, to reliably estimate its research impact.
2. Conceptual background
Theory of IDR: Interdisciplinarity “integrates perspectives, information, data, techniques, tools, concepts, and/or theories from two or more disciplines” \citep*{Council2004}.
This can include \citep*{Klein1986}:
- Borrowing from other fields — tools and methods, and/or concepts, models or paradigms;
- Interfield theories (for example, atomic structure, evolution);
- Frontier problem-solving (especially complex societal problems requiring multiple forms of knowledge)
More precisely, there is interdisciplinarity with regard to \citep*{Schmidt_2007}:
- objects (ontology),
- knowledge/theories (epistemology),
- methods/practices (methodology), and further,
- problem perception/problem solving.
These dimensions are characterized based on \citep*{2000}:
- the number of disciplines which are involved;
- the degree of similarity between them (e.g., mathematics and physics are similar, molecular genetics and electronics are less similar);
- the novelty and creativity involved in the combination, and
- the degree of integration.
Depending on the kind and degree of interdisciplinarity, the research impact can vary. Also, the time frame is an important factor in determining research impact.