Envisaging a new era in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research: Presenting the COMPASS model for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research

Abstract

We hope to leverage existing and novel methods and techniques in research by proposing the COMPASS model in this paper for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, and one that we hope can usher in more dynamic and diversified research scenarios and outcomes. We begin this paper by defining what research in general is, and by bringing out the meaning, the contours, the nuances and intricacies of interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research as well. We also propose and present the hallmarks and the boundaries of the COMPASS model as a series of well-laid out sequential steps so that anyone can appreciate it even at a cursory glance. Some of the proposed steps in our approach include, developing an objectivity in mindset, formulating robust research models to begin with, preidentifying potential collaborators, reaching out and collaborating with all collaborators who are ready and willing to collaborate, adopting a dialectical mindset from the scratch, adopting a cross-cultural mindset from the scratch, developing touch points, developing evaluation criteria, developing metrics, seeking out revalidation. This is only a short list; readers are requested to read the contents of the paper in its entirety.