Research Methods in Indigenous Contexts

This forward-looking resource offers readers a modern contextual framework for conducting social science research with indigenous peoples. Foundational chapters summarize current UN-based standards for indigenous rights and autonomy, with their implications for research practice. Coverage goes on to detail minimally-invasive data-gathering methods, survey current training and competency issues, and consider the scientist's role in research, particularly as a product of his/her own cultural background. From these guidelines and findings, students and professionals have a robust base for carrying out indigenous research that is valid and reliable as well as respectful and ethical.

Among the topics covered:

· Cultural theories and cultural dominance.

· The legal framework of research in indigenous contexts.

· The role of language within indigenous peoples' cultural rights.

· Methodology: how to optimally collect data in the field.

· Researchers' influence and philosophy of science.

· Learning how to prepare research in indigenous contexts.

Research Methods in Indigenous Contexts is an important reference benefitting a wide audience, including students and researchers in the social sciences, humanities, and psychology; decision-makers of NGOs and GOs that act with regard to humanitarian aid, for tourism projects, or any other contingency with indigenous contexts; and policymakers interested in the aspects of human activity upon which indigenous cultural concerns are based.

1. Introduction. - 1. 1 Indigenous Contexts. - 1. 1. 1 Transgenerational Traumata. - 1. 2 Cultural Theories and Cultural Dominance. - 1. 3 Transcultural perspectives and conceptualisations. - 1. 4 Synthesis and dominance - the mechanisms of change. - 2. The legal framework of research in indigenous contexts. - 2. 1 Historical aspects. - 2. 2 Acknowledgement of indigenous identity. - 2. 3 Right to self-determination. - 2. 4 Protection of culture. - 2. 4. 1 The Role of Language within Indigenous Peoples Cultural Rights. - 2. 4. 2 Indigenous Culture and Intellectual Property. - 2. 5 Revitalisation of culture. - 2. 6 Cultural autonomy in education and lifestyle. - 2. 7 Reflection of culture in media. - 2. 8 Land rights. - 2. 8. 1 Protection of territories. - 2. 8. 2 Land use. - 2. 8. 3 Mitigation of adverse impact. - 2. 8. 4 Right to redress and compensation. - 2. 8. 5 Indigenous cultures and borders. - 3. Methodology - how to optimally collect data in the fields. - 3. 1 History of transcultural field encounters. - 3. 2 Field encounter as quasi-experimentation. - 3. 3 Researchers influence and philosophy of science. - 3. 3. 1 Vulnerability and resilience. - 3. 4 Epistemology. - 3. 4. 1 Qualitative and quantitative methods. - 3. 4. 2 Validity. - 3. 4. 3 Reliability. - 3. 4. 4 Objectivity. - 3. 4. 5 Ethical aspects. - 3. 5 Minimally-invasive techniques. - 3. 5. 1 Total immersion. - 3. 5. 2 Rescue work. - 4. Field research in indigenous contexts. - 4. 1 The scientist as a psychological being. - 4. 1. 1 Researchers and their culture of origin. - 4. 1. 2 Rationality and irrationality. - 4. 2 Meta-perspectives. - 4. 3 Transcultural competency. - 4. 4 Education and training. - 4. 4. 1 Learning how to prepare research in indigenous contexts. - 4. 5 Culturally sustainable field research. - 4. 5. 1 Practical aspects. - 4. 5. 2 Being prepared for tropical diseases. - Epilogue.