Quantitative Methods

Despite the popular use of qualitative methods in Kaupapa Māori research, quantitative methods still have a place and a purpose within this methodology. Quantitative methods are used to gather data for the purpose of analysing quantity and numbers, and deriving meaning and understanding from these. Quantitative methods are useful at providing an understanding of 'what' phenomenon are occurring. They also lend themselves to a deductive research approach which means that they begin by taking existing theories and testing them in a top-down approach to research.

Historically quantitative research and statistics have portrayed Māori  in a negative light, and in turn have impacted back on the community in negative ways. Part of the issue with quantitative research is the lack of 'voice' given to participants in being able to describe and input into the understanding of why phenomena are occurring. It is however, not quantitative methods in themselves that have disempowered Māori. It can be argued that it is the design (i.e. what questions have been asked, the purpose of the research, and the questions that are being asked) and the analysis of subsequent data that has been a contributing factor to the negative experiences of Māori with quantitative research.

Kaupapa Māori quantitative researchers however have worked towards remedying these misconceptions about quantitative methods. One way in which they have done this is by employing a Treaty based principle known as 'equal explanatory power'. This principle argues for quality Māori data that is equal to that obtained for non-Māori. This means that Māori data should constitute a greater proportion of overall population surveys etc in order to ensure that there is more data available in order to engage in equal analysis of data for Māori.

Other ways in which quantitative methods have been adapted to suit Māori participants, is by ensuring that researchers, surveyors and those who interface with participants are culturally aware, and able to appropriately engage with their Māori participants. The ways in which they introduce research surveys to Māori may also be slightly different (i.e. with tailored cover letters).

In other disciplines such as the sciences where they use experimentation Māori researchers are also pushing boundaries and attempting to incorporate Kaupapa Māori elements into their research, through greater consultation with whānau/hapū/iwi, applying appropriate processes of handling and storing of data and/or research materials and implementing other cultural concepts to the research process.

Listed in this section are some of the quantitative methods used in research. It is worth noting however, that the way in which Kaupapa Māori methodology fits into some methods of research has yet to be fully explored and more work in these areas using Kaupapa Māori methodology could be considered.