Social and Cultural Sensitivity including commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (2.5)

2.5. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SENSITIVITY INCLUDING COMMITMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE TREATY OF WAITANGI: Appropriate research practices for diverse social and cultural groups.

2.5.1. In any research, particular consideration must be given to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in planning for appropriate consultation and research processes.

2.5.1.1. The three key principles of partnership, participation and protection apply to all research and particularly to research targeting specific cultures or social groups (e.g. Chinese mothers, paraplegics).

2.5.2. The ethics of research and the way knowledge is shared and gained incorporates these three principles.  Researchers may not always be able to identify whether definitive issues in this regard will arise, but must be receptive and prepared for the eventuality.

2.5.3. Research procedures should be appropriate to the participants. Researchers have a responsibility to inform themselves of, and take the steps necessary to respect, the values, practices and beliefs of the cultures and social groups of all participants.

2.5.4. Where a research project targets persons from another cultural, social or language group, consideration must be given to the preferences of the potential participants as far as consultation, language and documentation are concerned. Particular consideration must be given to the translation of documentation if appropriate in particular cases (refer to section 14 on Translation).

2.5.5. Researchers should also be cognisant of potential implications or interest that the process and outcomes of the research might have for other cultures or groups.

2.5.6. The purpose of any consultation is to ensure that research practices are appropriate and acceptable. Consultation should begin as early as possible in the project and should continue throughout its duration.

All researchers, whether their research is health related or not, are referred to the HRC Guidelines for Researchers on Health Research Involving Maori (Appendix P) and to the Frequently Asked Questions.