Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
tion. This is not often the case and there is thus a need for systemic research methodologies
that enable transdisciplinary research efforts (Alrøe and Kristensen 2002).
Cross-disciplinary research approaches need to build on an understanding of how different
methods relate to their 'research world', and what this means. For example, if laboratory
research, field trials, crop rotation experiments and on-farm research are compared, they
differ in complexity, and subsequently in the conditions for experimentation and control, and
thereby for replications or reproductions of phenomena. They also differ with respect to the
need for ethical considerations. Furthermore, systemic approaches that include, for example,
the human and social parts of the agricultural systems into their research world are often per-
ceived as less scientific than conventional, analytical approaches, which have delimited their
research worlds to exclude those aspects of reality. However, these obviously different
approaches are not different in their potential for doing good science. This recognition can
serve as a basis for a ref lexive discussion of the focus and meaning conveyed by different
research perspectives and the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods in cross-
disciplinary research approaches.
In Figure 15.1, some examples of different disciplines and methods relevant to organic
research are placed in relation to two methodological dimensions. One is the complexity of the
research world described above. The other is the degree of involvement of the researcher or the
'research unit' in its research world. The triangular form illustrates that in simple and well-
controlled research worlds, the detached and involved phases of research can be employed in
close cooperation, whereas detached, descriptive, historical methods are widely different from
involved, interactive, developmental action research methods though they both work with
complex research worlds.
Laws
'Simple'
research
worlds
Mechanistic/
causal
Semiotic /
adaptive
'Complex'
research
worlds
Self-reflexive
Descriptions
Actions
Involved
actor
Detached
observer
Figure 15.1
Some research disciplines and methods of relevance for organic research ordered
according to two methodological dimensions: the complexity of the research world (spanning
from causal over adaptive to self-reflexive entities) and the degree of involvement of the researcher
(adapted from Alrøe and Kristensen 2002). The triangular form shows that simple research worlds
allow the researcher to intervene and withdraw from the research world in closely connected
processes, whereas the involved and detached stances are widely different in relation to complex
research worlds.
