New moccasins: articulating research approaches through interviews with faculty and staff at Native and non-Native academic institutions.
OBJECTIVE
The goals of this study were to explore the perceptions of professionals concerning research, its different approaches, and appropriate future directions with Native American communities, particularly in relation to nutrition issues.


METHODS
Semistructured qualitative interviews. setting: Interviews were conducted at Native and non-Native academic institutions, at other relevant locations, and over the telephone.


METHODS
Participants (N = 20) were from Native and non-Native academic institutions and had experience working with research in Native American communities.


METHODS
Relationships between Native and non-Native academic institutions, worldviews regarding research and American Indian communities, and beneficial research within American Indian communities.


METHODS
Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and returned to the participants for review. Analysis of interview material involved eliciting themes.


RESULTS
Some participants acknowledged different cultural worldviews in relation to research. Many participants provided insight on how to define beneficial research. Most said building trust between Native and non-Native academic institutions is an important step in developing effective research relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are a first step toward creating a more equitable process of research that acknowledges different cultural worldviews and values community involvement within Native American communities.
Harala
Kindi
K
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108-6099, USA.
Smith
Chery
C
Hassel
Craig
C
Gailfus
Patricia
P
D003469:Culture; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology*