Research cluster: Disciplinary Cultures

Start of the project: 2016-May-01 - End of the project: 2021-Dec-20

The term “disciplinary culture” is omnipresent in Higher Education Research and Science Studies. But what exactly does it mean? The examination of “disciplinary cultures” comprises very diverse studies, focusing for example on “teaching cultures” or “student cultures”, on the way knowledge is generated, research questions posed and solutions sought (“epistemic cultures”) and how scientific knowledge is presented to the public (“publication cultures”). Students are socialized into their respective disciplines early on and in that process adopt a specific line of thinking as well as many attitudes and particular modes of behaviour that characterize members of an academic disciplinary community.

We aim to structure the manifold dimensions of the term and scrutinize its empirical substance. What aspects of disciplinary cultures can we gather at DZHW or have been collecting all along – a by-product as it were – in one of the numerous surveys? What specific analyses should and could be conducted? The research cluster seeks to bring together scientists from both DZHW locations as well as external experts who have already dealt with the subject of disciplinary cultures or could otherwise contribute to gaining further conceptual know-how or empirical insights.

Objectives of the Research Cluster

The research cluster aims to work out the essential dimensions for analysis based on the extensive research that has been done so far. What dimensions are already covered by a broad level of research? Are there any research gaps? For this purpose we are building up a literature databank that will be coded according to the most important analytic dimensions. We also aim to collaborate with interested researchers at DZHW to determine what contribution the different surveys at DZHW can already make regarding research on disciplinary cultures. With this in mind, we are looking for appropriate items and item batteries that are suitable for secondary evaluation.

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