Conducting Focus Groups in Terms of an Appreciation of Indigenous Ways of Knowing
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Authors
Romm, Norma
Issue Date
2015-01-01
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Indigenous ways of knowing , collective exploration as relational , facilitator orientation , focus group research , focus group participant feedback
Alternative Title
Abstract
In this article I consider some examples of conducting focus groups in South Africa with
school teachers in a manner which takes into account indigenous ways of knowing. Indigenous knowing (within various indigenous cultural heritages) can be defined as linked to processes of people collectively constructing their understandings by experiencing their social being in relation to others. I indicate how the conduct of focus groups can be geared towards taking into account as well as strengthening knowing as a relational activity defined in this way. Once facilitators of focus groups appreciate this epistemology they can set up a climate in which people feel part of a research process of relational discussion around issues raised. This requires an effort on the part of facilitators to make explicit to participants the type of orientation to research that is being encouraged via the focus group session. I offer examples of attempts to practice such an approach to facilitation, including examples of feedback obtained from participants regarding their experience of the research process.
Description
Citation
Romm, N. R.A. (2014). Conducting Focus Groups in Terms of an Appreciation of Indigenous Ways of Knowing. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 16(1), Art. 2
Publisher
Forum: Qualitative Social Research