Maori Research Ethics

"The ethical dimensions of research for Maori have broader parameters and encompass research ethics, the researcher's ethics and Maori ethics. Maori ethics are based on tikanga but have not yet been well articulated in the context of ethical review" ( Maui Hudson, 2004, p. 57). [1]

While institutional ethics applications are a good way of thinking through some of the ethical issues to do with research, there are many more ethical considerations that need to be taken into account beyond this process alone. One example of this is to consider cultural impacts on ethical procedures.

For Maori, tikanga and kawa need to be taken into account when interacting with Maori research participants. While a researcher may have good intentions, and adhere to all the procedures outlined in an ethics application that they have filled out, there are a lot of cultural nuances that come into play when interacting with people that need to be understood. A researcher should, at the very least, know how to interview someone without causing cultural offence.

There are many behaviours that researchers and individuals take for granted as being 'normal' because in their family, household or community they are normal. However, many simple acts may not be appropriate in a different cultural context. For example, simple acts such as sitting on a table, taking ones shoes off at the door, addressing someone in a particular way, accepting or refusing kai can all be read differently depending on the cultural context.

If a researcher is to be truly respectful of their participants, then they need to consider how their behaviour in an interview or other interaction is affecting and impacting on the participant. In this instance some basic knowledge about culturally appropriate behaviour is very valuable.

[1]Maui Hudson, 2004. ‘A Maori Perspective on Ethical review in (Health) Research’ in Tikanga Rangahau, Matauranga Tuku Iho. P 57