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6 months ago in Research Methodology , Sociology By Shobha

How can multiple theoretical perspectives be integrated within one research paper?

I’m working on interdisciplinary research where no single theory fully explains the phenomenon.While multiple frameworks seem necessary, I’m concerned about conceptual confusion or reviewer pushback.I’m looking for practical guidance on integration rather than abstract justification.

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By Roma Answered 4 months ago

From my experience supervising interdisciplinary dissertations, integration works best when theories play distinct roles rather than competing ones. I have seen strong papers use one framework to define the problem and another to explain mechanisms or outcomes. I would recommend being explicit about why each theory is needed and where its explanatory limits lie. Reviewers are usually receptive when the combination is purposeful and clearly signposted, not when it feels like theoretical accumulation for its own sake.

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