Part One: Your Post (19 points):
DIRECTIONS: Paste the question in bold print, followed by your answer, e.g., What is one new insight that emerged from reading one of the #5 Discussion peer posts?
1. Write your research question as a question.
2. State which one of the following integration strategies you’ll apply to your Term Research Paper. Write a minimum of 250 words, in at least one paragraph, applying this strategy to your Term Research Paper Project research.
- Ch. 12, Sequential Integration, p. 335
- Ch. 12, Horizontal Integration, p. 336
- Ch. 12, Multicausal Integration, p. 338
- Ch. 12, Cross-Level Integration, p. 343
- Ch. 12, Spatial Integration, p. 350
3. Provide three reasons why common ground is a central concept in interdisciplinary research. Based on the textbook readings and what you and/or your peer have written, must creating common ground be an essential part of every interdisciplinary project; why do you think so? List each reason separately, and support your claims with evidence, including parenthetical citations.
4. How did this exercise inform your perspective on the idea/concept of common ground; provide evidence to support your claims.
5. After doing this discussion board exercise, do you feel more empowered or proficient when it comes to doing interdisciplinary research? Defend your answer.
6. Include appropriate in-text citations and the book citation:
- EXAMPLE: Repko and Szostak (2021) state, “The focus of interdisciplinary research extends beyond a single disciplinary perspective” (p. 9).
- Here is the textbook bibliographic citation: Repko, A. F. & Szostak, R. (2021). Interdisciplinary research: Process and theory (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
1. Write your research question as a question.
What are the major benefits and challenges of using artificial intelligence to automate and enhance the accuracy of digital forensics investigations in cloud environments?
2. State which one of the following integration strategies you’ll apply to your Term Research Paper. Write a minimum of 250 words, in at least one paragraph, applying this strategy to your Term Research Paper Project research.
- Ch. 12, Sequential Integration, p. 335
- Ch. 12, Horizontal Integration, p. 336
- Ch. 12, Multicausal Integration, p. 338
- Ch. 12, Cross-Level Integration, p. 343
- Ch. 12, Spatial Integration, p. 350
Horizontal integration, as defined in ‘Interdisciplinary Research: Process and Theory (4th ed.)’ by Repko et al. (2017, p. 336), involves connecting two categories with multiple possibilities between them. In the context of exploring the benefits and challenges of using artificial intelligence to enhance digital forensics in cloud environments, this organizational strategy proves optimal. It allows for seamless transitions between discussing the advantages and addressing the complexities associated with AI implementation. Unlike spatial or sequential organization, which may compartmentalize ideas, horizontal integration ensures a cohesive and comprehensive exploration of the central question. By revisiting and reinforcing related ideas throughout the text, this approach provides a comprehensive view that enhances the reader’s understanding and appreciation of both sides of the argument. It promotes clarity and coherence by establishing logical connections between different aspects of the topic, thereby strengthening the impact of the discussion on the reader. This methodological choice aligns with the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, facilitating a nuanced analysis that considers various perspectives and interconnections within digital forensics and AI research.
3. Provide three reasons why common ground is a central concept in interdisciplinary research. Based on the textbook readings and what you and/or your peer have written, creating common ground be an essential part of every interdisciplinary project; why do you think so? List each reason separately, and support your claims with evidence, including parenthetical citations.
Common ground is important in interdisciplinary research because it helps experts from different fields work together. According to Repko et al. (2017), common ground allows researchers to understand each other’s ideas and goals, thereby facilitating easier communication and the integration of insights from diverse fields to analyze problems and generate innovative solutions (p. 92).
Interdisciplinary research brings together experts from different fields with varied expertise, methodologies, and perspectives, which enables a comprehensive examination of complex problems. This integration is crucial as it allows for a complete approach that combines multiple disciplinary perspectives to address multifaceted research questions (Repko et al., 2017, p. 91).
Effective communication among team members from different disciplinary backgrounds is essential for successful collaboration in interdisciplinary research. Repko et al. (2017) argue that establishing common ground helps in overcoming potential communication barriers such as phrases, terminology differences, and methodological approaches, thereby enhancing collaborative efforts and the quality of research outcomes (p. 93).
By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, interdisciplinary teams can achieve harmonious research outcomes. According to Repko et al. (2017), this collaborative approach leads to novel insights, transformative discoveries, and innovative solutions that address complex societal challenges through the integration of diverse disciplinary perspectives (p. 94).
4. How did this exercise inform your perspective on the idea/concept of common ground; provide evidence to support your claims.
The concept of common ground, as discussed in the literature, serves as a foundational element that underpins effective interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving. According to ‘Interdisciplinary Research: Process and Theory (4th ed.)’ by Allen F. Repko, et al., common ground is essential for overcoming the challenges posed by disciplinary differences and for facilitating meaningful interactions among researchers from diverse fields. Repko et al. (2017) discuss how common ground involves establishing shared understandings of key concepts, methods, and goals among interdisciplinary team members (p. 92). This shared understanding is crucial because it enables researchers to communicate effectively, integrate diverse perspectives, and collaborate harmoniously toward achieving common research objectives.
Furthermore, the book emphasizes that common ground helps interdisciplinary teams navigate the complexities inherent in addressing multifaceted research questions that require insights from multiple disciplines. By fostering a collaborative environment where disciplinary boundaries are bridged, common ground enhances the capacity of researchers to develop holistic approaches and innovative solutions that draw on the strengths of various disciplines (Repko et al., 2017, p. 93).
5. After doing this discussion board exercise, do you feel more empowered or proficient when it comes to doing interdisciplinary research?
Based on the way people learn, this discussion likely provided valuable insights and knowledge that could empower others and enhance their proficiency in interdisciplinary research. While my learning style may not directly benefit from this discussion, it’s very likely that others gained a deeper understanding of collaborative methods and recognized the crucial role of common ground in overcoming disciplinary barriers. Such exercises are essential for promoting a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach among researchers, fostering innovation, and yielding comprehensive outcomes across diverse fields of study.