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| A Review of Scientists' Interdisciplinary Research Behavior |
| Chen Yifan1,2, Hu Wei1, Xie Ruixia3, Cui Guirong4, Zhang Zhiqiang1,2,5 |
1.National Science Library (Chengdu), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610299
2.Department of Information Resources Management, School of Economics and Management, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190
3.School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092
4.Sichuan Center for Innovation-Driven Development, Chengdu 610000
5.Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011 |
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Abstract Identifying the common behavioral characteristics of scientists engaged in interdisciplinary research provides essential support for optimizing China’s interdisciplinary talent cultivation system, thereby improving the efficiency of interdisciplinary collaboration within research institutions. In this study, we adopted a behavioral science perspective to define all observable and measurable purpose-driven scientific activities that scientists undertake during interdisciplinary research as “Interdisciplinary Research Behavior” (IDRB). Drawing on the classic theoretical paradigms of the behaviorist school, we constructed a systematic analytical framework encompassing three stages: antecedents, processes, and outcomes. Accordingly, two types of actors—individual scientists and research teams—were distinguished, and the current state of IDRB research at each stage was systematically reviewed, synthesizing the existing findings and proposing future directions. The analysis revealed several shortcomings: Chinese research tends to be narrow in scope, emphasizing macro-level measurements while lacking an in-depth exploration of micro-level mechanisms; studies on top scientists’ IDRB lack comprehensiveness; a causal explanation chain for the dynamic process of IDRB is yet to be established; and interdisciplinary measurement indicators require further refinement in terms of stability and innovation. Future research should address these gaps through a more in-depth analysis.
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Received: 11 June 2025
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