Page 10 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Research

diversity. This process of combining two or more academic disciplines into one activity has set

the grounds for efficient modeling and mentorship among scholars in the academy.

Interdisciplinary research approach has become very popular in today’s academic

research enterprise which is transforming the process of conducting research. Interdisciplinary

research approach strengthened the process of facts finding, making it such a powerful research

outfit which enables the researchers to conduct the analysis of their research in a more

sequential, coordinated and synergized format. It also allows scholars to prioritize their findings

in a much more encompassing empirical platform which is beneficial to scholarship and

scholarly endeavors.

White (2003) likened Interdisciplinary research as that “type of study or research that

draws from two or more disciplines in order to gain a better developed perspective, or discover

something new”. For example, American studies involves a considerable amount of

interdisciplinary research in fields such as sociology, history, anthropology and political science.

In order to study the history of Nigeria in a much detailed and holistic perspective, an

interdisciplinary approach should be consulted in order to document a valid and resourceful

compendium that would serve the world’s thirst for such knowledge over time. In such instance,

therefore, the sociological perspective of data collection and analysis coupled with the historical

element of the intent, corroborated with anthropological and political science viewpoints must

marry themselves in order to manifest a more evidence of a thorough account of history or issue

being researched. In order to elucidate more on the obvious imperative of the interdisciplinary

research approach, White (2003) also cited women, environmental and neuroscience studies as

other fields where different disciplines could be drawn in order to enhance their understanding of

issues, and offer insights on the original theory or concept. Although interdisciplinary research is

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