Decolonising quantitative methods within a Pacific research space to explore cognitive effects following kava use

Abstract

Work that challenges Western hegemonic research traditions, through use of innovative and alternative approaches as part of ‘decolonising methodologies’, is increasingly being validated by research funding bodies, post-graduate research and large-scale projects. This paper explains a feasibility study that combined a Pacific respect-based cultural methodology with a counter-hegemonic development theory to create a postdevelopment methodological framework (PDMF). The framework was then used to guide the culturally ethical use of Western psychometric measures at a naturalistic kava-use setting. Not only does the study demonstrate the viability of the PDMF and the naturalistic kava use setting—or faikava methodology—as a valid tool for collecting data in a study conducted pursuant to a major research award, it also builds on a growing body of work aimed at decolonising Pacific methodologies.