Knowledge Exchange
Once you have completed researching your topic it is important that you consider how you intend to disseminate your research findings (also referred to as research 'outputs'). The ways in which you choose to disseminate your findings will be largely determined by why you decided to engage in the research in the first instance, the methodology, the communities and/or participants involved, and the findings themselves.
The primary means of disseminating academic research findings is in producing a written thesis, report, articles or a book. These documents outline the entire research process including an extensive discussion on your method and methodology, literature review, discussion on your analysis and in some cases, further recommendations that you may wish to make in the area of your research.
While a thesis, report, articles or books are primary outputs of research projects; often they do not always reach a wide audience. Shelved in libraries or filed away for the use of a small few, these research reports become inaccessible to the wider public. The language of academic research is also often difficult to understand, and reports are often jargon heavy this is another aspect of research that makes it difficult for Māori to access the information contained in the research. More often than not, the knowledge contained within the research is of huge value to Māori communities.
It is at this point that the researcher may consider engaging in other methods of dissemination of knowledge so that the process becomes a meaningful exchanging and sharing of knowledge, in particular, so that it is of benefit to the groups for whom the research is about, and intended to serve. Kaupapa Māori research encourages an active engagement with Māori whānau, hapū, iwi and communities throughout the research process.
Kia tūpato
While it is important that you meet the 'standard' research output requirements, don't alienate your Māori audience. Carefully consider the ways in which you will engage in knowledge exchange - be creative! The important thing is that you are able to connect with the people that your research is aimed at.