Making mutual learning tangible

Mixed-method Delphi as a tool for measuring the convergence of participants’ reciprocal understanding in transdisciplinary processes

Bibliographic Data

ID9845571
AuthorsJannis Pfendtner-Heise (0009-0001-4248-6884, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, corresponding author), Adriana Ackerschott (0000-0002-5318-2624, Leuphana University of Lüneburg), Christoph Schwenck (0009-0009-6938-9951, Leuphana University of Lüneburg), Daniel J Lang (0000-0001-5435-1488, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology), Henrik Von Wehrden (0000-0003-2087-5552, Leuphana University of Lüneburg)
Year2024
Volume159
Pages103365
Publication date2024-05-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFutures (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-3287 • E-ISSN: 1873-6378
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.futures.2024.103365
OpenAlexW4392881660
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited46

This paper proposes an approach to capture mutual learning within transdisciplinary research to develop future-oriented sustainability solutions to land use conflicts. While quality criteria for transdisciplinary research projects are increasingly discussed, there is still ample methodological potential to enable and better understand mutual learning as a key component of transdisciplinarity. Changes in the specific developments of perceptions of the participants are difficult to be tamed and tracked. To address this shortcoming we propose to apply the Delphi method for longitudinal tracking of mutual learning within transdisciplinary research. We present the application of the methodological approach as part of a transdisciplinary project on sustainable land use in the district of Lüneburg (Lower-Saxony, Germany). Evaluation of semi-structured interviews with seven participants translated into a three-round Delphi survey. A concluding round of semi-structured interviews was performed to validate and deepen the findings. The results showcase that the Delphi method can facilitate the operationalization of the convergence of understandings as a relevant outcome of mutual learning within transdisciplinary projects

Component (thermodynamics · Convergence (economics · Delphi · Delphi method · Epistemology · Knowledge management · Management science · Operationalization · Social science · Sociology · Sustainability · Transdisciplinarity · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Delphi Technique in Research · Ecology · Engineering · Innovation, Technology, and Society · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access