Research With Refugees: Moving Beyond Interviewing

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Expanding and Rethinking Methods (Table 5)

Abstract

Traditional qualitative research methods, particularly interviews, often perpetuate power imbalances and marginalize refugees by failing to capture the full depth of their experiences and perspectives. This paper critiques the limitations of interviews in refugee education research and advocates for the adoption of workshops as a more participatory and decolonizing approach. Workshops enable the exploration of contextual complexities and situated knowledge, fostering collaborative and dynamic interactions that empower refugees as active contributors to the research process. By shifting from passive responders to active collaborators, refugees' voices are better represented, enhancing the quality and relevance of the data collected. This methodological shift promotes ethical research practices and aligns with the broader goals of decolonizing refugee studies.

Authors

• Adnan Turan, Arizona State University

• Mirka E. Koro, Arizona State University