IT MATTERS WHO YOU ARE: INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE RESEARCH AND RESEARCHERS

Moyra Keane; Constance Khupe; Blessings Muza

doi:10.17159/1947-9417/2016/913

Authors

Moyra Keane University of the Witwatersrand, CLTD Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 Johanneburg, ZA 2711 7171488
Constance Khupe Dr University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences Office of Student Support Johannesburg, ZA
Blessings Muza University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, ZA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/1947-9417/2016/913

Keywords:

Indigenous methodology, life narratives, participatory research, science education, indigenous research

Abstract

It is common for researchers in Indigenous Knowledge (IK) in science education research to draw on aspects of the scientific paradigm from their science training. The consequent research seeks to be objective. This paradigm is not necessarily appropriate for IK research. While there have been calls for IK-aligned methodologies (Chilisa 2012;

Keane 2008; Smith 1999) there are few examples of how this may be approached in Southern Africa. Drawing on the centrality of story and relationship in IK, we illustrate how the researcherâ€™s life experience shapes the research purpose, design and credibility.

In refocusing research into IK, the relationship between research and the researcher needs greater acknowledgement. We present here story examples from three IK-science education studies.