Toward an Afrocentric Research Methodology

Abstract

This article deals with the emergent philosophy of Afrocentrism1 and describes its use as a basis for new orientations to the creation and interpretation of data. The central thesis of this article is that the traditional Eurocentric research criteria of objectivity, reliability, and validity are inadequate and incorrect, especially for research involving human experiences. Consequently, this article argues for new research orientations and provides new yardsticks (or criteria) by which research would be better judged. New orientations to the acquisition and use of data are necessary because the pertinent literatures are virtually silent on the views of African and other non-European communities, dealing almost exclusively with Eurocentric scholars whose interpretations are inevitably colored by European views of the phenomena being studied. These new Afrocentric methodologies are intended to be used to investigate pertinent research questions legitimately and effectively (that is, truthfully and inclusively), especially those that possess embedded assumptions about race and culture. These new Afrocentric orientations to data, or Afrocentric research methodologies, will push the inquiry into a higher realm where the methodology and the process of knowledge construction cease to take precedence over the well-being of the people being researched.

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