Research Methodology in African Psychology

Abstract

This chapter highlights the epistemologies, methodologies, and principles of research in African psychology. The chapter argues that the current overemphasis on the use of quantitative approaches in social science research in African universities needs to be reconsidered to accommodate alternative research methodologies that are deemed more suited for the study of lives as lived in Africa. An illustrative sample of categories of qualitative methodologies discussed in the chapter are intended to open the eyes of students and scholars to the enormous promise of the qualitative research approach in African psychology. This in no way implies encouragement for the total replacement of quantitative methodologies with qualitative approaches in African psychological research. What is recommended is an entrenchment of the spirit of inclusivity and bifocality or complementary dualism in the curricula contents of degree programs intended for research training in African psychology.