Table 3.
Q-statements and factor loadings of the two revealed viewpoints (own illustration)
| C | No | Statement | VP1 | VP2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | In my opinion, the most important goal of our TDR project is to improve the actual situation in the region | − 2 | − 2 |
| 2 | 2 | I am concerned with understanding the theoretical and methodological features of TDR projects | 2 | 0 |
| 6 | 3 | It is easy for me to put my professional expertise behind me and enter into an open dialog within the team | 0 | 0 |
| 6 | 4 | I can easily empathise with and understand the priorities and attitudes of other team members | − 1 | − 1 |
| 2 | 5 | I believe that the most important aspect of our TDR project is learning from each other and reflecting together | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | 6 | I think that TDR projects promote more problem awareness and a higher level of ownership of solutions among the participants than more traditional research processes | 3 | 1 |
| 7 | 7 | I think that in our TDR project the project leader acts as a coordinator and represents the decisions of the group externally and internally | − 1 | − 3 |
| 4 | 8 | I experience the high need for coordination resulting from the heterogeneity of the project team as inefficient | − 4 | − 3 |
| 7 | 9 | I think that despite the collaboration in the project team at eye level, the project management has the control and final decision-making power | − 1 | − 2 |
| 1 | 10 | The project has failed for me if no direct tangible results (e.g. strategy, plans etc.) are produced | − 3 | − 2 |
| 6 | 11 | I think that we work together as equals in our team | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 12 | I believe that dealing with complex challenges requires consideration of non-scientific perspectives and knowledge | 3 | 0 |
| 7 | 13 | I believe that a common language, that is easy for everyone to understand, is a key success factor | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | 14 | I think the strength of transdisciplinary projects is to contribute to social change rather than research | 0 | − 1 |
| 4 | 15 | I perceive the open-endedness of the project as uncertainty, since it is not clear where the journey will lead | − 5 | − 5 |
| 4 | 16 | I perceive the project as a risk, because by working with heterogeneous partners, results can occur for which I do not want to take responsibility | − 4 | − 4 |
| 4 | 17 | I consider it essential that all partners of the TDR project are always involved in every step of the process | − 2 | − 1 |
| 4 | 18 | Due to the complexity of a TDR project, a predefined plan with clear goals and structure is essential | − 2 | − 2 |
| 5 | 19 | I believe that being involved in our TDR project provides me with recognition and benefits me in my professional environment | − 3 | − 3 |
| 1 | 20 | It is important to me, that through this project, we develop and establish new ways of doing things in regional development practice | − 1 | 5 |
| 5 | 21 | I believe that the heterogeneity of the participants improves the results of the project (compared to classical research collaborations) | 5 | 4 |
| 5 | 22 | The TDR project gives me the opportunity to experience self-efficacy and to actively participate in a transformation process | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | 23 | I think, it is important to give the group building process enough time | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | 24 | I believe that the result will be worth the extra effort compared to “classically” organised research projects | 1 | 3 |
| 4 | 25 | I believe that for successful project implementation, disclosure and management of conflicts within the team is inevitable | 2 | 2 |
| 4 | 26 | I believe that all project partners should bear responsibility for the project—from project start to implementation | 0 | − 1 |
| 4 | 27 | Due to the complexity of a TDR project, flexibility in planning, goal formulation and implementation is required | 3 | 4 |
| 7 | 28 | I find it quite difficult when my professional expertise is questioned in the group | − 2 | − 4 |
| 5 | 29 | I perceive participation in the TDR project as an opportunity for personal development | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | 30 | I consider the open-endedness of the TDR project an opportunity to experiment and try out new paths | 4 | 3 |
| 1 | 31 | It is important to me, to already set the foundation for the transition to the post-project phase during the project | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 32 | The recognition and support of the results by political decision-makers is crucial for our project success | − 3 | 0 |
| 6 | 33 | I think that openness and tolerance are key qualities for collaboration in transdisciplinary processes | 2 | 2 |
| 6 | 34 | In our collaboration, I experience the willingness and openness to learn from each other and to get engaged in different work practices | 0 | 3 |
In italics = similar loadings in VP1 and VP2
C category, TDR transdisciplinary research, VP viewpoint