Wicked problems are complex issues in health, environmental, and social domains that are difficult to solve due to their multifaceted nature, while transdisciplinary research (TDR) involves collaborative approaches across various disciplines to address these problems. TDR is essential for resolving complex issues as it brings together diverse perspectives and knowledge from multiple stakeholders, enhancing understanding and practical solutions. However, the unpredictable and multifactorial nature of wicked problems makes definitive resolutions challenging.

1. Dr. Obumneke Amadi-Onuoha_Scripts
TransdisciplinaryResearchProp_CTS_Wicked Problems
What is the difference between Wicked and TDR problems?
Wicked problems are health, environmental and social issues acknowledged as large( involving
many factors around it), complex(confusing) and are often quick shifting problems that the
solutions are difficult to reach by ordinary human understanding and discernments (Repko &
Szostak, 2017, p.234), whereas, transdisciplinary problems are those that are resolved by
involving research team, case study approaches, and integrates collaboration not only through
academic disciplines but incorporates nonacademic disciplines as well (Repko & Szostak, 2017,
p.26).
Why do we need the TDR for complex problems?
TDR tends to resolve real life problems, it involves accumulation of experiences and ideas
contributed from the collaboration and coordination between different research discipline and
from diverse stakeholder’s backgrounds. “It takes into account the diversity of everyday and
academic perceptions of problems towards developing a descriptive and practical knowledge of
that problem towards a common interest” (Hadorn, Pohl, & Bammer, 2010, p.431)
Can a Wicked Problem be solved?
Because of the nature the problem presents itself, having innumerable causes associated with it,
with an unpredictable change patterns and outcomes and other concerns, I believe it will be
difficult to ascertain, define or resolve/decide a solution (Cleland, Patterson, & Hanson, 2018,
p.3).
Reference
Cleland, J. A., Patterson, F., & Hanson, M. D. (2018). Thinking of selection and widening access
as complex and wicked problems. Medical education, 52(12), 1228-1239.
Hadorn, G. H., Pohl, C., & Bammer, G. (2010). Solving problems through transdisciplinary
research. The Oxford handbook of interdisciplinarity, 431-452.
Repko, A. F., & Szostak, R. (2017). Interdisciplinary research: process and theory (Third
edition. ed.). Los Angeles: Sage.