Despite Gary P. Radford's negative opinion regarding the overlap of psychology and communication, there are also positive reasons and benefits within interdisciplinary research.
In the article, "Bridging Disciplines in the Brain, Behavioral, and Clinical Sciences," Dr. Leon Eisenberg and Dr. Terry C. Pellmar believe that interdisciplinary research is mandatory in "order to understand the entire human organism." The doctors further their viewpoint by discussing the real-world benefits of applying interdisciplinary research.
The beginning of the work introduces the topic of interdisciplinary studies with an interesting example relating to the study of plate tectonics. Both doctors state that with the incorporation of "geologists, oceanographers, palemagnetists, seismologists, and geophysicists, the ability to forecast earthquakes advances greatly." By selectively choosing one group of study, we lose the academic richness that could lead to further research and knowledge. I agree with Dr. Eisenberg and Dr. Pellmar because having a variety of viewpoints can possibly provide a better understanding of the subject at hand.
In terms of psychology and communication, researchers and scientists within both fields should try the the "plate tectonics" method and incorporate all biological, trait, and personality factors. According to both doctors, "we will simply not have a complete understanding of behavior of biological processes by studying [biology and behavior] separately." Furthermore, it is unfortunate that hostility between the two disciplines exists like Radford stated in his paper. Instead of competing for evidence to prove certain theories, I believe it would be much more effective if psychology and communication actively collaborated to further research and ultimately try to achieve academic truth within human behavioral studies.
Despite the competition that exists, Eisenberg and Pallmar believe that interdisciplinary research has a real-world applicable aspect; "the increasing diversity in the population generates a need for interdisciplinary research to understand the multi-faced biological, psychological, and social issues that are generated." Even more, because both doctors specialize in neurobiological studies, they believe that "current advances in clinical and behavioral research, if better integrated with research in molecular biology, neurochemistry, and other neuroscience research, will have a substantial effect on numerous health-related problems."
Even though these doctors specialize in neuroscience, the key idea of interdisciplinary research is incredibly useful. I believe it is helpful to look at other examples within other disciplines to see how these effects can be positive, applicable, and lead to further academic knowledge. If researchers within communication and psychology are able to see firsthand how other disciplines overlap, their viewpoints and willingness for furthering academics might change.
Also, from the research that I have found, it is interesting to note that many communication scholars are mainly the scientists that hold hostility and resentment towards psychology; I have yet to find examples of psychologists who hold the same feelings towards communication studies. The question is, why? I will have to research and find out!
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