Presentation Abstract
In an effort to address the complexity of socio-ecological problems, environmental scientists and decision-makers increasingly call for the integration of natural and social sciences in research and application. Yet collaborative efforts continue to be limited by a misunderstanding of different disciplines and a lack of deliberate strategies to bridge disciplinary differences. This paper summarizes concepts and tools for integration from the literature on interdisciplinarity, and reports lessons learned from two cross-disciplinary experiences: teaching a University of Washington doctoral seminar on interdisciplinary environmental research, and collaborating as an anthropologist with marine scientists at NOAA. Two major principles for successful interdisciplinary integration emerge: 1) it requires learning not only about different disciplines, but also about the philosophical workings and limitations of one’s own discipline to a greater degree than would otherwise be considered necessary, and 2) it requires cultivating a specific set of skills and attitudes. This paper will describe several tools for structuring a group’s learning about their respective disciplines, including the Jargon Board and Philosophical Toolbox, and it will introduce an accepted typology for integration: cross-, multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinarity. The paper will also discuss attitudes and skills recommended for interdisciplinarians, including respect for other disciplines, comfort with ambiguity and dissonance, creative thinking, self-questioning, and investment in interpersonal relationships. Finally, the paper will reflect on how integrating the natural and social sciences may benefit the recovery of the Salish Sea ecosystem.
Session Title
Session S-02H: Integrating the Social and Natural Sciences for Decision Making
Conference Track
Social Science Plus
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
30-4-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
30-4-2014 3:00 PM
Location
Room 607
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Environmental sciences--Social aspects; Social sciences--Environmental aspects
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Integrating the Natural and Social Sciences: An Introduction
Room 607
In an effort to address the complexity of socio-ecological problems, environmental scientists and decision-makers increasingly call for the integration of natural and social sciences in research and application. Yet collaborative efforts continue to be limited by a misunderstanding of different disciplines and a lack of deliberate strategies to bridge disciplinary differences. This paper summarizes concepts and tools for integration from the literature on interdisciplinarity, and reports lessons learned from two cross-disciplinary experiences: teaching a University of Washington doctoral seminar on interdisciplinary environmental research, and collaborating as an anthropologist with marine scientists at NOAA. Two major principles for successful interdisciplinary integration emerge: 1) it requires learning not only about different disciplines, but also about the philosophical workings and limitations of one’s own discipline to a greater degree than would otherwise be considered necessary, and 2) it requires cultivating a specific set of skills and attitudes. This paper will describe several tools for structuring a group’s learning about their respective disciplines, including the Jargon Board and Philosophical Toolbox, and it will introduce an accepted typology for integration: cross-, multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinarity. The paper will also discuss attitudes and skills recommended for interdisciplinarians, including respect for other disciplines, comfort with ambiguity and dissonance, creative thinking, self-questioning, and investment in interpersonal relationships. Finally, the paper will reflect on how integrating the natural and social sciences may benefit the recovery of the Salish Sea ecosystem.
