Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction (PS-I): A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
What is a problem?: On problem-oriented interdisciplinarity
1Unit of Social, Culture and Technology Studies, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany.
Summary
This paper clarifies the concept of "problem" in interdisciplinary studies, advocating for a problem-oriented approach. It distinguishes this from object, theory, and method-oriented interdisciplinarity for better problem-solving.
Area of Science:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- The term "problem" is central to defining interdisciplinarity (ID) and transdisciplinarity.
- Current discourse and practice in ID face challenges in clearly defining "problem."
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the notion of "problem" within interdisciplinary research.
- To advocate for a specific type: problem-oriented interdisciplinarity.
- To distinguish problem-oriented ID from object, theory, and method-oriented approaches.
Main Methods:
- Ex negativo approach to define what problem-oriented ID is not.
- Utilizing distinctions from philosophy of science (ontology, epistemology, methodology).
- Analyzing the concept of "problem" through undesired state, desired state, and barriers.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct types of ID: object-oriented, theory-oriented, and method-oriented.
- Defined "problem" as comprising an undesired state, a desired state, and barriers.
- Highlighted three types of knowledge: systems, target, and transformation knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Problem-oriented interdisciplinarity is the most needed and most challenging form of ID.
- A clear understanding of "problem" is crucial for effective interdisciplinary problem-solving.
- Further elaboration on methodological and epistemological aspects of problem-oriented ID is provided.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
The Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) revolutionized medical record-keeping by introducing a systematic approach focusing on the patient's problems rather than merely listing symptoms. Dr. Lawrence Weed's introduction of this method in the 1960s marked a significant advancement in medical documentation. The POMR framework consists of four key components: the database, problem list, plan of care, and progress notes.
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
01:15Prismatic Beams: Problem Solving
In the design of a supported timber beam subjected to a distributed load, both the beam's physical dimensions and the timber's characteristics, such as its grade and species, are critical. These factors determine the allowable stress values, which are crucial for calculating the necessary beam depth to ensure structural integrity and safety.
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the designer...
The design begins with analyzing the beam as a free body to identify moments and force balances, thereby determining support reactions. Next, the designer...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:24Frames: Problem Solving I
Consider a jib crane with an external load suspended from the pulley. The dimensions of the crane members are shown in the figure. A systematic analysis of the frame structure is required to determine the reaction forces at the pin joints, assuming that the pulleys are frictionless.
01:06Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Problem Solving
In multiple dimensions, the conservation of momentum applies in each direction independently. Hence, to solve collisions in multiple dimensions, we should write down the momentum conservation in each direction separately. To help understand collisions in multiple dimensions, consider an example.
A small car of mass 1,200 kg traveling east at 60 km/h collides at an intersection with a truck of mass 3,000 kg traveling due north at 40 km/h. The two vehicles are locked together. What is the...
A small car of mass 1,200 kg traveling east at 60 km/h collides at an intersection with a truck of mass 3,000 kg traveling due north at 40 km/h. The two vehicles are locked together. What is the...