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Constructing confidence: rational skepticism and systematic enquiry in local ecological knowledge research
Anthony Davis1, Kenneth Ruddle
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M2J6, Canada. anthony.davis@msvu.ca
Summary
Social research on indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) lacks consensus on core concepts and methods. Focused research is needed to accurately represent IEK, local ecological knowledge (LEK), and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and avoid disempowerment.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Environmental Studies
- Indigenous Studies
Background:
- Social research frequently engages with Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK), Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK).
- Existing literature analysis reveals a predominant focus on defining these knowledge systems rather than exploring their deeper conceptual and methodological underpinnings.
- A lack of consensus on the content and operational attributes of IEK/LEK/TEK poses challenges for accurate representation and application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the key attributes of social research contributions concerning IEK, LEK, and TEK.
- To identify gaps in the conceptualization, research design, and methodology applied to IEK/LEK/TEK.
- To highlight the implications of misrepresentation for the communities these knowledge systems serve.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of highly cited literature from "ISI Web of Knowledge" and "Google Scholar".
- Examination of two contrasting approaches to the analysis of IEK/LEK/TEK.
- Content analysis focusing on definitions, concepts, research design, methods, and operational attributes.
Main Results:
- The majority of social research on IEK/LEK/TEK is definitional, with limited exploration of core concepts or research methodologies.
- There is a significant lack of consensus regarding the fundamental components and operationalization of IEK/LEK/TEK.
- The study identifies a critical need for more focused research to address these conceptual and methodological ambiguities.
Conclusions:
- Current social research inadequately addresses the complexities of IEK/LEK/TEK, primarily focusing on definitions.
- The absence of consensus on IEK/LEK/TEK content and methods risks misrepresentation and potential disempowerment of indigenous communities.
- Further research is essential to develop robust frameworks for studying and applying IEK/LEK/TEK accurately and ethically.
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