Module 5: Identifying Disciplinary Insights
5.1 Identifying Disciplinary Insights
Repko et al., (2013) discusses the need to respect different viewpoints as we identify insights. As we explore disciplinary insights, we have to be cautious not to start out thinking that those who agree with our views are “right” and those who do not are “wrong.” Confirmation bias suggests that “once we have formed a view, we embrace information that confirms that view while ignoring, or rejecting, information that casts doubt on it.” Also, “this error leads the individual to stop gathering information when the evidence gathered so far confirms the views or prejudices one would like to be true,” (Heshmat, 2015). Repko states, “Interdisciplinarity requires you to recognize that there is likely some kernel of truth in opposing viewpoints” (p. 163).
How can we critically evaluate sources of information? We must ask questions of each text we read. Questions such as:
- What are the author’s conclusions?
- What are the supporting arguments?
- What assumptions does the author make? (Repko, 2013, p. 164-165).
Rhonda Davis (2024) discusses the importance of analyzing disciplinary insights regarding urban food deserts. “Let’s consider an example of critically analyzing disciplinary insights in interdisciplinary research on the topic of urban food deserts. This complex issue involves multiple disciplines, including urban planning, public health, sociology, economics, and environmental science.”
Urban Food Deserts
- Urban Planning Insight: Urban planners might focus on zoning laws and city infrastructure, suggesting that food deserts result from poor urban design and lack of public transportation to grocery stores.
- Public Health Insight: Public health researchers might emphasize the health impacts, linking food deserts to higher rates of obesity and chronic diseases due to limited access to fresh, nutritious foods.
- Sociological Insight: Sociologists might point to systemic racism and socioeconomic inequalities as root causes, highlighting how food deserts disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities.
- Economic Insight: Economists might focus on market forces, arguing that supermarkets avoid certain areas due to lower profit potential and higher operating costs.
- Environmental Science Insight: Environmental scientists might emphasize the role of climate change and soil degradation in reducing local food production capabilities in urban areas.
Interdisciplinary Thinking and Learning: Problem-Solving for a Complex World is (c) 2024 by Rhonda D. Davis and is licensed under a Creative Commons-Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.
References
Davis, R. (2024) Analyzing disciplinary insights. Interdisciplinary Thinking and Learning: Problem Solving for a Complex World. Pressbooks. https://saalck.pressbooks.pub/interdisciplinary-think-learn/chapter/analyzing-disciplinary-insights/
Heshmat, S. (2015). What is confirmation bias? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-of-choice/201504/what-is-confirmation-bias?msockid=2496ef5efe63673e2b9ffc84ff2c665d
Repko, A. F., Szostak, R., & Buchberger, M. P. (2013). Thinking critically about disciplinary insights. Introduction to interdisciplinary studies (1st ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
