Read the following passage carefully: In the field of human sciences, interdisciplinary research can result from two separate but interrelated needs. First is the 'need for information' and more data, and the second is the need for more common structures or for analytical integration. At the first level, an interdisciplinary collaboration poses little or no problems. It involves exchange of information among related disciplines in the belief that such exchange enriches a discipline's understanding of the phenomena under study. A discipline's boundaries and autonomy in explanatory terms are not eroded by interdisciplinary contacts at the level of information or data. It may sometimes lead to adoption of common methods by related disciplines, which in turn, may pave the way for a possible integration at the level of analysis or perspectives or interpretative scheme. The fulfillment of this second need for common structures, or what we have termed as analytical integration, is beset with several difficulties. Unlike in the natural sciences, in the social sciences there is no linear order of sciences ranged between 'decreasing generality' and 'increasing complexity'. On the contrary, in some of the social sciences, there is a marked tendency to reduce explanations of diverse social phenomena to a single perspective peculiar to that science. Sociologists are often accused of reducing everything to sociology and their reductionism is often pejoratively dubbed as 'sociological inperialism' Similar tendencies are noticeable, with differences in degree, among some economists, political scientists, linguists, psychologists, and so on. Answer the following questions based on the facts/information described in the above passage:
Inter-disciplinary research in human sciences results from
Understanding Interdisciplinary Research in Human Sciences
The passage discusses the origins and challenges of interdisciplinary research, specifically within the human sciences. It highlights the core reasons why researchers from different disciplines might collaborate.
Causes of Interdisciplinary Research
According to the passage, interdisciplinary research in the human sciences arises from specific requirements. The very first sentence provides the answer:
- The passage states: "In the field of human sciences, interdisciplinary research can result from two separate but interrelated needs."
These two needs are further elaborated:
- The 'need for information' and more data.
- The need for more common structures or for analytical integration.
The passage describes the first need (information exchange) as posing "little or no problems" initially. The second need (analytical integration), however, is described as being "beset with several difficulties," particularly in social sciences compared to natural sciences.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine the given options in light of the information from the passage:
- Option 1: Similar and diverse needs. The passage mentions "two separate but interrelated needs." While the needs might be considered diverse, describing them solely as "similar" might not fully capture the distinction made in the passage between information gathering and analytical integration.
- Option 2: Multiple and conflicting needs. The passage specifies "two" needs, not "multiple." Furthermore, it describes them as "interrelated," not "conflicting."
- Option 3: Diverse and intra-related needs. The passage uses the term "inter-related," meaning related to each other, not "intra-related," which would mean related within themselves or within a single discipline.
- Option 4: Two separate but inter-related needs. This option directly matches the phrasing used in the first sentence of the passage, which explicitly states the origin of interdisciplinary research in human sciences.
Based on the direct statement in the passage, option 4 accurately reflects the reasons for interdisciplinary research in human sciences.
Conclusion on Interdisciplinary Research
The passage clearly identifies the foundation of interdisciplinary research in human sciences as stemming from "two separate but interrelated needs": the need for increased information and data, and the need for common analytical structures or integration. Option 4 is the only choice that precisely captures this definition provided by the text.
| Reason for Interdisciplinary Research | Description from Passage |
|---|---|
| Need for Information/Data | Involves exchange among related disciplines to enrich understanding. Poses few problems. |
| Need for Common Structures/Analytical Integration | Requires adopting common methods, potentially leading to integration of analysis or perspectives. Described as difficult in social sciences. |
Revision Table: Key Concepts in Interdisciplinary Research
Reviewing the main points about interdisciplinary research from the passage:
- Interdisciplinary research is driven by specific needs.
- The passage identifies two primary needs: information/data and analytical integration.
- These needs are described as "separate but interrelated."
- Information exchange is relatively straightforward.
- Analytical integration is more challenging, particularly in social sciences.
- Challenges include reductionism tendencies within individual disciplines.
Additional Information: Types of Research Needs
Beyond the specific passage, understanding research needs broadly helps contextualize this. Research can be driven by various needs, such as:
- Exploratory Needs: To understand a new phenomenon or area.
- Descriptive Needs: To detail characteristics of a population or situation.
- Explanatory Needs: To understand the relationship between variables or causes.
- Predictive Needs: To forecast future outcomes.
- Applied Needs: To solve a specific practical problem.
- Basic Needs: To expand fundamental knowledge without immediate application.
The passage focuses on needs that specifically encourage crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries to achieve a more complete understanding or a unified analytical framework.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
Read the given figure and find the region representing persons who are educated and employed but not confirmed in job.
The magazine in which Mahatma Gandhi mentioned what he wanted the Constitution to do is:
Which gas shields the surface of the earth from ultraviolet radiation from the sun?
Which event is marked as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO?
Who has been conferred with the rank of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2018?
