Mixing methods as a process towards indigenous methodologies

Abstract

This discussion proposes an expansion of indigenous research to reflect some of the distinctive epistemological aspects of indigenous ways of knowing. Arguing that indigenous research methodologies can and should go beyond the current hermeneutic borders of conventional qualitative research to embrace more appropriate epistemological and axiological assumptions, it suggests a mixed methods approach as a vehicle for doing so. The contention here is that, by combining current qualitative research practices with the specific aspirations of indigenous communities in a mixed method strategy, it may be possible to build appropriate theoretical tools and ethical practices for indigenous research. Furthermore, this mixed method strategy is framed within the cultural–historic activity theory principles of expansive learning so that the incremental development of practical, philosophical and value‐appropriate indigenous research methods is driven by the change‐seeking activity generated by contradictory dimensions of western and indigenous research ideals.