Working With Similarities and Differences: Relational Processes in Transdisciplinary Qualitative Research With Diverse Teams.

Transdisciplinary research and research teams are becoming increasingly valued in academic spaces. The potential of transdisciplinary research is that the diversity of thought and experience can create robust research processes from project inception, methodological protocol, data collection, data analysis and reporting output. Yet, transdisciplinary research teams can also bring about complications pertaining to conflicting epistemological perspectives, areas of expertise, and objectives for applied impact. In noting the benefits and downsides of transdisciplinary research, this article aims to detail how a transdisciplinary research team navigated a qualitative and participatory longitudinal research project. Drawing from a larger community-based participatory research project, the People's Budget of San José, we detail the complexities, tensions, and successes of a transdisciplinary research team working to address complex social issues while also being attentive to community needs. Of central importance is that we illustrate how we collaborated as a transdisciplinary research team and also partnered with community-based organizations in a participatory manner. The main methodological contribution is that we highlight the power-sharing, frictions, and collaborative efforts undertaken by our transdisciplinary research team. Our intention in sharing our story is to exemplify how a transdisciplinary team functions so that future transdisciplinary research teams can be guided and build upon the transdisciplinary research process. We conclude that transdisciplinary research consisting of various people is a worthwhile endeavour with tremendous potential, but everyone must work to properly address the tensions and complexities that are likely to arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]