Ethical moves: Innovation in Qualitative research: An example of ethical and effective cross-cultural research methodology using video

This paper tells the story of a journey to create an ethical space in order to develop a collaborative, cross-cultural research methodology.

"The ethical space is a concept, a process that unfolds, that is inclusive of a series of stages from dialogue to dissemination of results, each played out in many different codes and relationships at the level of research practice." (Ermine, Sinclair & Jeffery 2004, p.21)

Researchers strive for ethical practice and where research is conducted across cultures developing an ethical practice can be a learning journey in itself. In a search for methods and tools to use within such an ethical space, one non-Indigenous researcher undertook a small project with three ex-students, now successful classroom teachers. In this project, the issue of ethical practice was as important as the research question itself, and an issue for constant reflection.

Qualitative research and collaborative methodologies have been noted as the most effective and appropriate to use in cross-cultural research (Ermine, Sinclair & Jeffery 2004; Henry et al 2002). It has also been predicted that the use of visual methodologies will be an expanding area of development (Denzin & Lincoln 2005). Just what this looks like in practice is not entirely clear. There is a small but growing literature detailing research projects that have used these approaches, but very little has been written on the specifics of methodologies that have been developed.

It is the assertion of the researchers in this project that the tools and methods of analysis themselves also need to sit within the ethical space. In this paper, the researchers reflect on their research journey and detail one such methodology that emerged from their collaborative endeavour. This work used video footage and storytelling to create a powerful and effective tool to answer the research question at hand and provides a useful map for others wishing to undertake such a journey.