Indigenous Methods
The value of using indigenous methods with Western research participants
May 29 2019
Lisa presented a poster at the European Association of Palliative Care arguing the benefits of using indigenous research method with non-indigenous participants. The research reflected the views and experiences of non-Māori research participants (n=39) who completed in-person, post-bereavement interviews about a family member’s end of life experiences. Specifically we looked at how they reacted to the application of Māori ethical care processes during their interviews.
Overall we found participants greatly appreciated the Māori values underpinning the research. Using a combination of research values involving whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and koha helped to buffer the difficulty for bereaved participants to engage in the study. For example, participants made comments such as:
Your researchers were ‘very sensitive’ and more ‘sensitivity is needed to work with older people and family who love and care for them’.
I’d like to thank the researchers for the gift [koha of $80] and Mallowpuffs which ‘Was unexpected – very kind of you’.
I was uplifted by you!! … I did the [interview] for Mum but it has been a blessing for me. God bless you in your work precious lady.
Click on the link below to read the poster in full (including definitions of the Māori terms used).