Research at the Interface: A Novice Researcher’s Reflections on Weaving Kaupapa Māori and Grounded Theory Methodologies

Abstract

The application of both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in research may provide a well-rounded understanding of health, illness, and wellbeing for Indigenous communities in colonised societies. While many researchers have used a dual approach to researching Indigenous communities in colonised societies, tensions continue to exist around the use of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing together. There are also ongoing tensions between Indigenous methodologies and ethics processes rooted in Western understandings of research. Kaupapa Māori research is an Indigenous Māori approach to research that is about being Māori, is connected to Māori philosophy, culture and knowledge, and centres priorities for Māori. Grounded theory is a Western scientific approach to produce a theory grounded in qualitative data. This paper presents a novice researcher’s reflections on using kaupapa Māori research and grounded theory to explore the relational aspects of acute health care in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The research design attempts to utilise the ethics of kaupapa Māori research and the essential methods of grounded theory to develop a research approach that is robust and culturally appropriate. Conforming to conventional Western science-based research methods while endeavouring to privilege Indigenous realities is challenging and, at times, impossible. However, grounded theory can be flexible enough to adapt to the ethics of kaupapa Māori research. Research at the interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems presents opportunities for innovation in research design and can provide an ethical foundation for conducting research with Indigenous communities.