Methodology and Positionality: A Process of Weaving the Individual to the Collective

Abstract

Identifying a methodology can be daunting to an emerging researcher, but the key is to start from your place of strength – knowing who you are, your readiness to engage with an in-depth study, and what story is needing to be brought to light for the benefit of society. “Positionality refers to the stance or positioning of the researcher in relation to the social and political context of the study—the community, the organization or the participant group” (Coghlan & Brydon-Miller, 2014, p. 628), and it should guide the entire process of the research. The key to good research is relationships, and before we can have relationality, we must have positionality. Positionality brings purpose which dictates the tikanga (correct procedures) that align to that purpose. Positionality determines relationality, which determines your research objectives, and then your methodology begins to take shape. This article shares considerations I took as a Pākehā researcher when choosing a methodological framework that weaves together Indigenous and Western methodologies to honour and uphold the mana (sense of self-efficacy, pride, power) of the people and places where the research was conducted, meet the guidelines of academic study, and represent my positionality and passions.