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Research Methodology refers to the approaches and techniques adopted within the encounters of Phase 2 of the project:
For Implementation within Mother <=> Counsellor encounter
Brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) is a form of counseling developed in treating addictions; to motivate clients to own and transform their own behaviour. Its relevance is that the feeding choices expected of mothers require very significant "behaviour" changes in their own lives. Whereas typical counseling might leap straight to advice giving, exploring options and problem-solving, BMI is more focused on facilitating change of a key behaviour, jointly selected according to the clients readiness to change by exploring ambivalence. The Spirit of BMI includes:
- Collaboration refers to facilitative guidance as against non-directive listening or confronting clients with a more "correct" view of reality.
- Autonomy is manifest by an attitude of compassionate detachment and respect for the client's choice, while providing a safe space for exploring ambivalence to change.
- Evocation means that the counsellor holds fast to the belief that the client has the capacity and motivation for change but may need guidance to reveal or manifest these.
Women-Centeredness (WC) is an approach of self-awareness, self-regard and mutual respect to counter the internalised female sexism found amongst both mothers and counsellors in the projects first phase research; for example, mothers perceiving themselves as helpless victims, with emotional over-involvement and resulting boundary (role) transgressions by female counsellors. It acknowledges that within our highly sexist patriarchal contexts, internalised sexism within both mother and counsellor, and also within their relationship, can undermine the encounter at a subconscious level.
For Training / Research within the Counsellor <=> Researcher encounter
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a form of Action Research that recognizes that inquiry (research) and change (action) often happen in the same moment: the question is itself an intervention for change. Traditionally research questions are critical and analytical, focusing on the problems, gaps and deficiencies in our current situation. AI reframes the inquiry to focus on the successes, supportive circumstances and future dreams of a new reality. In essence it asks the questions "what are we doing right?", "how did this happen?" and "what would our future look like if we did this more?" rather than "what is wrong here?" and "how can we fix it?". It is based on the premises that our focus creates a new reality.
For Monitoring within the Researcher <=> Health System encounter
Outcome Mapping (OM) "focuses on how programs facilitate change rather than how they control or cause change" - on outcomes more than impact, contribution instead of attribution, "outcome challenges" rather than objectives, "boundary partners" rather than stakeholders, and "progress markers" rather than indicators. This process involves other potential partner individuals and institutions as equals, and monitors the changes in the behaviour, relationships, activities or actions to "map" mutual influences.
See Links for further web based readings.
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