IJE Advance Access originally published online on June 24, 2004
International Journal of Epidemiology 2004 33(5):1138-1143; doi:10.1093/ije/dyh250
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IJE vol.33 no.5 © International Epidemiological Association 2004; all rights reserved.
Article |
Understanding health and illness: research at the interface between science and indigenous knowledge
Te Putahi a Toi, School of Maori Studies, Massey University, New Zealand
Correspondence: Mason Durie, Te Putahi a Toi, School of Maori Studies, Massey University, New Zealand. E-mail: m.h.durie{at}massey.ac.nz
Indigenous knowledge cannot be verified by scientific criteria nor can science be adequately assessed according to the tenets of indigenous knowledge. Each is built on distinctive philosophies, methodologies, and criteria. While there is considerable debate around their relative merits, contests about the validities of the two systems tend to serve as distractions from explorations of the interface, and the subsequent opportunities for creating new knowledge that reflects the dual persuasions. Maori researchers in Aotearoa/New Zealand have been able to apply the methods and values of both systems in order to reach more comprehensive understandings of health and illness. Two case studies are used to demonstrate how the incorporation of indigenous beliefs into research protocols and measurements can enhance health research and understandings of health and illness.
Accepted 10 May 2004
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