Research approaches and methods
Our multidisciplinary team draws on a wide range of research approaches and methods that prioritise Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing, including:
Indigenous methodologies
We use Indigenous quantitative and qualitative methodologies to support the interests and agendas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in health research. Our approaches prioritise:
- Indigenous peoples’ voices, knowledge and worldviews
- Indigenous leadership and expertise in all aspects of research
- Self-determination and community control in Indigenous health research in Australia and other colonised settings
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Precision public health
In collaboration with health service and community partners, we analyse data from multidisciplinary research approaches – including genomics research, health services research, health geography and geographic information systems, large scale epidemiological studies, and behavioural and social sciences – to identify and evaluate interventions that tackle health inequity and enhance community health and wellbeing.
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Qualitative, ethnographic and participatory methodologies
We use innovative qualitative, ethnographic and participatory methodologies – including semi-structured and thematic interviews, group yarns, participant observation, mobile walk and talk sessions, community and social network mapping, and participatory photography and film – to reveal and prioritise Indigenous people’s lived experiences, knowledges, worldviews and priorities across a range of health issues and community-centred solutions. We are committed to mentoring and training community, doctoral and early career researchers in rigorous qualitative research.
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Implementation research and mixed methods evaluation
We undertake rigorous mixed-methods research to systematically assess the strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness of implementing health interventions, policies, programs or innovations in real-life settings, in terms of improved service use and quality of care, acceptability and feasibility, and population health outcomes.
Through action-oriented, systems-thinking approaches centred around Indigenous knowledges, our aim is to generate context-specific policy and practice-based evidence to enhance health equity and outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Associate Professor Federica BarziBehavioural science
We draw on interdisciplinary expertise – across psychology, sociology, economics, epidemiology and policy studies – to understand and interpret the impact of human behaviours on health outcomes. We use this knowledge to reduce health risks, identify health service improvements, increase service use, frame health promotion efforts and improve the health of Indigenous peoples.
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Experimental and quasi-experimental methods
We use clinical trials with experimental and quasi-experimental designs to generate evidence-based data on the efficacy of interventions to improve health for Indigenous peoples. Given the challenges of random allocation of interventions in Indigenous health settings, we blend the design components of clinical effectiveness randomised clinical trials and implementation research.
Quasi-experimental and pragmatic study designs include pre-test – post-test quasi-equivalent groups; interrupted time series; and stepped wedge cluster randomized trials.
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Big data epidemiology
We use electronic health information from large, routine administrative databases to generate contemporary, precise, longitudinal evidence on the health status of Indigenous peoples, determinants of health, and strategies of optimising interventions to improve health.
Data linkage of multidisciplinary administrative databases and surveys is used to identify determinants of health including socio-economic and behavioural, geographical and genomic factors.
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Survey methods
We undertake quantitative survey research methods with Indigenous populations to understand people’s understandings, thoughts, feelings, attitudes, practices and behaviours related to health issues at particular points in time and to explore changes over time.
Our survey work is governed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ expertise, prioritises Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, and is undertaken in partnership with Indigenous communities and community-controlled organisations.
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Community monitoring and evaluation
We work with partner organisations and skilled community researchers to develop qualitative monitoring and evaluation research processes to support community-driven decision making, centred in community needs, priorities and expertise. These approaches enable communities to tell stories of change over time, celebrate success and identify areas for improvement.
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Rapid assessment and response
Drawing on qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and working in partnership with local communities, rapid assessment procedures are a cost-effective, pragmatic and rigorous way of gaining a comprehensive, contextually-rich understanding of a specific health issue affecting specific populations in local settings.
The aim is to inform preliminary decisions for the design, development, implementation or evaluation of public health programs.