Community Consultation
What is Community Consultation?
The act of an ongoing engagement with people to gather input, perspectives or feedback on issues that affect them.
What is a project proposal and what must it include?
A written plan that defines the project's topic, focus question/statement, research questions, methods of obtaining data (interview), resources, and ethical considerations
What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source? Give ONE example of each
Primary: original, first-hand sources (e.g. interviews, surveys, original documents).
Secondary: sources that interpret or summarise primary sources (e.g. textbooks, review articles, documentaries)
What does it mean to 'analyse' data?
To examine data closely, identify patterns, themes and relationships, and draw conclusions or meaning from it
Name TWO different media formats that could be used to present a research project.
Any two of: video documentary, podcast, filmed oral presentation, website, photo essay, community exhibition.
Name TWO PROTOCOLS important for effective community consultation with Aboriginal communities.
Any two of: seeking permission, following cultural protocols (Sorry Business - not using deceased community members names and or images), obtaining informed consent, acknowledging Country
Name THREE types of sources (primary or secondary) a researcher might use when conducting an investigation into an Aboriginal community topic.
Any three of: community members/Elders, libraries, archives, government reports, academic journals, websites, local organisations, oral histories, newspapers, literature reviews, podcasts museums.
Name ONE qualitative and ONE quantitative research method
Qualitative: structured interviews, focus groups, observation, case studies. Quantitative: surveys with numerical data, statistical analysis, census data
What is the difference between a FACT and an OPINION in research data?
A fact is a verifiable, objective piece of information supported by evidence.
An opinion is a personal view or interpretation that may not be supported by evidence and can vary between individuals.
What does it mean to 'reflect Aboriginal viewpoints' in submitted work?
It means including and accurately representing the perspectives, voices, experiences and cultural values of Aboriginal peoples throughout the project.
Part 1: Is ONGOING community consultation important throughout a research project, rather than just at the beginning?
Part 2: Why/Why not?
Part 1: Yes ... duh
Part 2: It ensures the community's needs and perspectives are continuously reflected, allows for feedback and adjustments, the right information is being published and builds trust and authentic relationships. (ill accept anything mentioned)
What is a research log/process diary and what must it record? (minimum 3 elements)
A systematic record of all fieldwork, community consultation, correspondence, reading, research methods used, decisions made, and ethical issues encountered throughout the project.
Explain what 'Aboriginal perspectives on ethics and cultural ownership' means when collecting data.
1. Aboriginal peoples hold cultural and intellectual property rights over their knowledge, stories, and cultural expressions.
2. Researchers must obtain informed consent or misrepresent knowledge
3. Ensure communities retain ownership and the right to withdraw information
What is 'bias' in a data source and how might it affect your research findings?
Bias is a skew or prejudice in how information is presented or collected. It can lead to inaccurate conclusions, misrepresentation and unreliable findings if not identified
A student wants to share their research findings with both their school and the Aboriginal community they worked with. Describe TWO different communication methods they might use for each audience.
For school: formal written report or presentation using academic language and referencing.
For community: a community meeting, a visual display or video that reflects community input and is accessible to all ages and literacy levels
What does 'cultural sensitivity' mean in the context of community fieldwork, and give ONE practical example.
Recognising and respecting cultural differences, customs and values e.g. not photographing sacred sites, not mentioning names of deceased (Sorry Business) or acknowledging the possibility that some knowledge cannot be shared with outsiders (mens/womens business)
What is a parameter?
Why is it important to identify 'parameters' when throughout a research project?
Definition: A defining characteristic, rule, or boundary that establishes how a system, process, or function operates.
Importance: Parameters define the focus and limits of the project to keep it manageable. Without them, the project risks becoming unfocused - Overall, parameters ensure your project isn't too broad.
What are the key ethical concerns around copyright when using digital media as a secondary source in research?
Using copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Researchers must cite sources, obtain permission for reproduction, use material within fair use/fair dealing guidelines, and be aware that Aboriginal cultural expressions may carry additional cultural copyright or restrictions
A news article claims '80% of Aboriginal people support this policy.' What questions should a researcher ask to assess the reliability of this statistic? (provide 3 examples)
Who conducted the survey?
What was the sample size and how were participants selected?
Who funded or published the research?
What was the exact question asked?
Were Aboriginal communities involved in designing the research?
Has it been verified?
How should a researcher incorporate community feedback received AFTER submitting a draft project to community members? What does this demonstrate?
The researcher should review feedback carefully, make appropriate changes that reflect community corrections or preferences, acknowledge the feedback in the log. This demonstrates ethical practices, rather than tokenistic consultation
Explain the difference between 'tokenistic' consultation and 'genuine' consultation.
What evidence in a log would distinguish the two?
Tokenistic consultation is superficial or one-off contact with minimal community influence on the project. Genuine consultation is ongoing, responsive, and shapes the research direction.
Evidence includes: multiple meetings, recorded feedback, evidence of changes made in response to community input, and correspondence throughout the project.
A student is planning a project on land rights in their local area. Outline the key steps they should take in planning their research, including how they would incorporate Indigenous research methodologies. (for the 500 points, provide at minimum 7 key steps)
Steps include:
1. Defining the research question and parameters
2. identifying community contacts and seeking permission
3. reviewing sources (Primary/Secondary)
4. selecting methodologies (including yarning, Eldership consultation, and oral history)
5.setting up a log
6. Consider ethical obligations such as cultural protocols
7. Ensuring the consultation process is ongoing
A researcher is planning to investigate the history of an Aboriginal community. Describe how the researcher can ensure the reliability of the information collected (2025, 5 mark past paper question)
Note: For the full 5 marks, 2 main points need to be considered.
1. Gather information from sources endorsed by the community and from a variety of perspectives.
2. It is critical for reliability that the information sources are incorporated from a variety of areas, including oral histories, cultural artefacts and archaeological sites where possible.
Explain the term 'propaganda' and give an example of how it might appear in historical sources about Aboriginal peoples
Propaganda is information designed to promote a particular agenda, often at the expense of truth.
Examples: historical government publications that portrayed the removal of Aboriginal children as being in their best interests ('Stolen Generations' era documents), removing Aboriginal voices and the harm caused
How do researchers effectively communicate the viewpoints of Aboriginal peoples when communicating their findings? (2024, 6 mark past paper question)
Note: for the full 6 marks, students needed to include three main points.
Researchers can do this by:
• Ensuring permission to share information gathered has been gained.
• Ensuring the information obtained contains Aboriginal peoples’ viewpoints, and final research shows evidence of incorporation of knowledge gained through continual community consultation.
• Acknowledging sources when communicating findings