SPEaR good practice guidelines 2008: Conceptual framework
The following diagram was initially developed as a tool to illustrate different approaches to research and evaluation apparent in the sector. It can be utilised by officials to locate where there project 'fits' in the spectrum of approaches.
The choice of colour is deliberate with the two primary colours of yellow (some presence) and red (partnership approach) dominating - but separated by parallel lines. The third primary colour - blue - is implicit - but like the sky and the ocean - it is present.
Add the colour blue to the other two primary colours and the approaches differentiate with the more recognisably 'Positivist' (quantitative) - labelled 'one size "fits" all' to the left, and 'Interpretative' (qualitative) labelled 'own culture governance' to the right. As with all 'approaches' (paradigms), techniques, tools, and methods are borrowed in a pragmatic way. The Conceptual Framework dominates however, whatever mix of tools may appear.
The work of agencies such as Statistics New Zealand and the major government agency surveys included in 'Tier 1 statistics' would be located in 'one size "fits" all' (green - the mix of yellow and blue) and 'some presence' (yellow). The principles and protocols for Tier 1 statistics can be found at www.statisphere.govt.nz/default.htm. Over the last few years, several major projects have begun to include elements of the 'partnership approach'. Elements of the 'partnership approach' (red) are increasingly common. A full 'partnership' approach would be challenging in a government agency context - 'collaboration' may be a more accurate term. 'Own culture governance' (purple - a mix of red and blue) is an approach which would be extremely difficult in a government agency context. The 'red' chosen here is tinged with yellow rather than blue, while the yellow is tinged with red (a bit orange) to reflect these realities
The Conceptual Framework can assist officials decision-making around a project 'involving Maori' and ''involving Pacific Peoples'. Much of the published information around research involving Maori or Pacific Peoples derives from 'own culture governance' e.g. Kaupapa Maori Methodology or Fa'a Samoa approach.
These Guideline sections are primarily written as if the projects are located in the 'partnership approach' (collaborative), to reflect the reality of government agency contexts and to acknowledge that aspects of this approach are increasingly being utilised in the 'some presence approach' and even in 'one size fits all approach', as officials and researchers endeavour to ensure full coverage and that survey participants are representative of the increasingly diverse population.
It should also be noted that terms such as 'Pacific Peoples' and 'Asian' are grouping terms which disguise unique, distinctive and diverse cultural groups.
