Proposing a Multi-Layered Model of Scientific Discipline

Introduction: Disciplines are areas of knowledge boundaries which are formed through the connections between philosophical assumptions and fundamental theories and this forms the artificial boundaries to acquire knowledge of natural phenomena. This study endeavored to elaborate on the nature of scientific discipline by reviewing the definitions of discipline in current scientific literature, and propose a multi-layered model. Methods: In this study Carnwell and Daly's critical review strategy was employed to synthesize a theoretical model. Keyword about the topic of the study was searched in the related databases as Google Scholar, Eric and PubMed Central until 2018. The keywords are scientific discipline, knowledge domains, scientific domains, discipline boundaries Results: A multi-layered model was reached by reviewing, synthesizing, and generalizing diversified views and descriptions presented by discipline. This model consists of 13 main layers and 37 sub-layers. Each of these layers could represent one of the areas of scientific discipline. Conclusion: Understanding the components of discipline can set the scene for elaborating the process of creating scientific disciplines and provides a useful framework in order to evaluate and develop interdisciplinary aspects.