How can you ensure local customs are respected during field research?

Field research is a valuable method to collect data and insights from different contexts and cultures. However, it also comes with ethical and practical challenges, especially when it involves working with local communities and stakeholders. How can you ensure that your field research respects the local customs and norms, and avoids causing harm or offense? Here are some tips to help you plan and conduct your field research with cultural sensitivity and awareness.

1 Know your context

Before you start your field research, you need to do some background research on the local context and culture. This includes learning about the history, politics, religion, values, beliefs, norms, etiquette, and language of the people and places you will visit. You can use various sources, such as books, articles, reports, websites, podcasts, videos, or experts, to gain a general understanding of the cultural landscape. However, be aware of potential biases, stereotypes, or outdated information, and be ready to update your knowledge as you interact with the locals.

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Kenneth T. Davis, PhD 🌎

Program Manager in Defense & Space - Professor - Global Think Tank Advisor
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Quality Communication starts always with knowing your audience. Who are they, what do they know? If you are doing research in the field, the same rules apply, who are you working with in order to collect data? The premise is get to know your audience first, then create a plan. There is an efficiency in asking locals how they would address a problem and why? Saving significant time is set up and misdirection efforts. A good Commander always trusts his leaders on the ground. The locals know the problem in an intimate way and can help if they see you as value added. So be value added! Be ethical, and give credit when due!!! And have fun, field research beats the lab anyday!

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2 Seek local guidance

One of the best ways to ensure that your field research respects the local customs is to seek guidance from local partners, collaborators, or advisors. They can help you with the logistics, communication, recruitment, consent, and feedback of your field research. They can also advise you on the dos and don'ts of the local culture, such as how to dress, greet, address, thank, or apologize to the people you meet. Moreover, they can help you build trust and rapport with the local community, and act as mediators or translators if needed.

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Stephanie Oserwa Young-Adika (Schandorf)

Maritime Security Researcher and Consultant I Ocean Advocate
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In my experience, there are several communities with individuals who are themselves willing to share and engage, if the researcher is willing to listen. Approach members of the community with the mind of a learner, not an expert. Ask questions and show genuine interest in inputs and communications from community members. In other words, simply be present.

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3 Adapt your methods

Depending on the local context and culture, you may need to adapt your field research methods and tools to suit the preferences and expectations of the people you work with. For example, you may need to use different formats, languages, or modes of communication for your surveys, interviews, or observations. You may also need to consider the timing, location, duration, and frequency of your field research activities, and how they fit into the local routines and schedules. Furthermore, you may need to adjust your questions, topics, or prompts to avoid sensitive or inappropriate issues, or to elicit more meaningful or relevant responses.

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Raj Stanley

Director @ Rivermind Consulting | Researcher | Research management Coach
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Once you identify the Research goal, you will get into identifying suitable research methods to approach the research solution. Here every research method that we select must undergo Force field analysis (forces that are in favour and forces that are against). Few factors of the Force field analysis include Local Laws, Local Culture & Customs, Talent Behaviour. The outcome of this Force field analysis must be explicitly documented and adjust the methods wherever it is applicable and/or sensitize the researchers on approach to apply the research methods

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4 Be respectful and humble

During your field research, you should always be respectful and humble towards the local people and culture. This means acknowledging and appreciating their diversity, complexity, and richness, and avoiding any judgments, assumptions, or generalizations. It also means being polite, courteous, and grateful for their time, participation, and hospitality, and following their rules and norms of conduct. Additionally, it means being humble about your own knowledge, skills, and goals, and being open to learning, listening, and collaborating with the locals.

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N. Gustaf F. Mamangkey

Marine Biologist, Pearl Oyster Scientist, Benthic Organism Analyst, Member of ISKINDO and ASBUMI board of experts, a university lecturer, consultant,
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Doing research in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The locals will admire you if you also bring some areca nuts and piper betel. You also need to have permissions from their traditional leaders.

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5 Reflect and evaluate

After your field research, you should reflect and evaluate your experience and performance in relation to the local customs and culture. This means reviewing your data and insights, and checking for any gaps, errors, or biases that may have resulted from your cultural assumptions or misunderstandings. It also means seeking feedback from your local partners, collaborators, or advisors, and learning from their perspectives and suggestions. Furthermore, it means acknowledging and addressing any ethical or practical issues, challenges, or dilemmas that may have arisen during your field research, and finding ways to resolve or prevent them in the future.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jasnica Klara Matić (FRSA)

Artist, writer, international consultant and mediator
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Several times I was chosen as an independent expert in GLOBAL AND REGIONAL EXPERTS NETWORKS, which are made up of representatives of the GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT SECTORS AND INDEPENDENT EXPERTS. This inspires me to propose the establishment of a GLOBAL EXPERT NETWORK FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH, especially in the FIELD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING, which would include EXPERT LEVELS FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL.

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How can you ensure local customs are respected during field research?

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1 Know your context

2 Seek local guidance

3 Adapt your methods

4 Be respectful and humble

5 Reflect and evaluate

6 Here’s what else to consider

Research Management

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