Decolonizing Methodologies: A Transformation from Science- Oriented Researcher to Relational/Participant-Oriented Researcher

Abstract

This paper outlines an ongoing unlearning and relearning journey: my lifelong transformation from a Western scientific researcher to a relational and participant-oriented researcher. This transformation has made me aware of my responsibility to share my stories about how I have changed. In this commentary I situate my lifelong research training as a metaphor for unlearning, learning, situating, and reclaiming my research methodologies and methods. Specifically, this commentary poses and answers questions such as, “how has my Western science-oriented research training been challenged through my relationships with research participant communities? How did my methodological transformation (decolonizing and reclaiming of relational/participant orientation) start? And, how did my transformation empower me and create my sense of belonging in regards to who I am and what I should do?” I conclude by outlining the implications of my methodological transformation processes for future research.