Interdisciplinary Research in Social Sciences and Humanities: Bridging Methodologies and Theoretical Perspectives

Abstract

Research approaches to understanding the complex issues that the world is grappling with have emerged within the social sciences and humanities, and this has prompted interdisciplinary research collaboration. In this editorial note, the editors discuss the importance of interdisciplinary research and the fact that it brings together different approaches and concepts for producing new ideas. There are some advantages as well as some challenges to such integrative but multi-faceted approaches, including the ability to produce more sophisticated explanations regarding the individual human as well as society and culture. The editors present a number of case studies and relevant theories to argue for the need to build interdisciplinary infrastructures which in effect advance collaborative and flexible scholarly practices. Finally, the editors argue for the need of investment in academic departments, alignment of research thinking, and sufficient volume of ideas .that can be brought together to benefit from the  interdisciplinary nature of he fields of social sciences and humanities.