Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Dr. Brenda Murphy

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Second Advisor

Dr. Scott Slocombe

Advisor Role

Second Reader

Third Advisor

Bryce Gunson

Abstract

The aim of this research was to critically evaluate the transdisciplinary process being utilized on the SSHRC and related research projects being led by Dr. Brenda Murphy. The approach was two-fold: first, a document analysis was performed using secondary data, and second, a questionnaire was conducted based on six themes that emerged from the literature. These themes were: Degree of Collaboration, The Value of Working Together over Time, Mutual Learning, Integration of Team Members, Complexity of the Problem Being Investigated and Bridging the Research-Societal Gap. Based on findings in the literature and responses to the questionnaire the themes were assessed as strengths or challenges. The strengths that emerged were: Degree of Collaboration, Complexity of the Problem Being Investigated and Bridging the Research-Societal Gap. The remaining themes (The Value of Working Together over Time, Mutual Learning and Integration of Team Members) had traits indicative of challenges to the research. Understanding the successes, challenges and solutions to challenges in transdisciplinary research is crucial to advancing this methodology in the academic realm. By including a wide variety of knowledges and perspectives transdisciplinary research is ideal for tackling the increasing number of complex problems, including climate change.

Convocation Year

2019

Convocation Season

Fall

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