Epistemological challenges of indigenous people’s research: reflections based on experience with conceptual map
Denise Osório Severo, Iêda Maria Ávila Vargas Dias, Maria da Graça Luderitz Höefel, Paulo de Tarso Coelho Jardim
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to discuss the applicability of the conceptual map and its underlying theoretical anchors and analyze the challenges and potentialities of this method concerning the participation of Indigenous Peoples. METHODS: experience report of the use of the conceptual map as a data collection instrument. RESULTS: the study allowed us to discuss the epistemic approaches and distances, as well as to analyze to what extent the conceptual map favored the process of joint production of knowledge with Indigenous Peoples. The experience with this type of research design also revealed epistemological challenges that reflect the established historical relationships, whose overcoming implies the construction of new forms of egalitarian and intercultural scientific relations. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the conceptual map theoretically composes a structured participatory methodology, which enables data collection and the collective construction of knowledge, provided that the cultural, epistemic, social, and political diversities of all the social actors involved are considered.