Differences between Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary subject​

Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to subjects and curriculums involve the integration and application of multiple academic disciplines, but they differ in how these disciplines are combined and used.

Interdisciplinary Studies: In interdisciplinary studies, different disciplines are integrated in a cohesive and coordinated manner to create a holistic understanding of a complex issue, subject, or problem. The distinct methodologies and perspectives of various disciplines are actively blended to gain new insights that may not be possible through a single discipline. The aim is to synthesize knowledge and methods, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding.

Here are the essential aspects of interdisciplinary studies: - Synergy: The disciplines are blended in a way that the insights from one enhance the understanding in another, creating a synergistic effect. - Problem-focused: Interdisciplinary studies often revolve around specific real-world problems and aim to address these by transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. - Integration: It requires the integration of concepts, theories, and methods from various disciplines to form a new, coherent framework.

Multidisciplinary Studies: Multidisciplinary studies, on the other hand, juxtapose the perspectives of different disciplines but do not necessarily blend them into a unified approach. Each discipline retains its methodologies and conceptual frameworks, providing multiple viewpoints on the same issue.