This category covers research focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing research—a holistic framework that reflects Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and lived experiences. Understanding these perspectives is vital for culturally responsive research and Indigenous studies. Rooted in concepts like the Knowing-Doing-Being model and Aboriginal cultural frameworks, this field enriches insights into Indigenous identity, sovereignty, and cultural awareness. JoVE Visualize pairs these research studies with experiment videos to provide a clearer view of methodologies and outcomes.
Key Methods & Emerging Trends
Core Methods in Aboriginal Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing Research
Established research methods in this field include qualitative approaches such as ethnography, narrative inquiry, and participatory action research. These methods emphasize respect for Indigenous voices, community involvement, and oral histories. Frameworks like the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness and culturally responsive capability framework guide researchers in ethically engaging with communities. The Knowing, Doing, and Being framework used by Snook et al (2012) is often applied to interpret cultural knowledge and lived experiences through a structured lens.
Emerging and Innovative Approaches
Recent trends focus on integrating digital storytelling, virtual reality, and decolonizing methodologies that challenge conventional Western research paradigms. These innovative techniques support richer contextualization of the Knowing-Doing-Being model and facilitate inclusive representation of Indigenous perspectives. There’s growing interest in developing culturally tailored evaluation frameworks aligned with the Four guiding principles of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability Framework. Such methods foster deeper engagement with Indigenous epistemologies and improve research responsiveness to community priorities.