A Guide on the Research Process

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This guide is meant to support your journey in conducting respectful, informed, and impactful research within Hawaiian studies. Remember, your research is not just an academic exercise; it's a contribution to the ongoing dialogue about Hawaiian culture, history, and sovereignty.

Step 1: Define Your Research Topic

Understand the Scope: Begin by clearly defining your research topic. Consider courses you've taken, discussions that sparked your interest, or areas within Hawaiian studies that you feel passionate about exploring further.
Consult Course Materials: Revisit syllabi, textbooks, and class notes for topics that resonate with your interests. These materials can provide a solid foundation for your research.

Step 2: Preliminary Research

Start with Broad Sources: Use general resources like encyclopedias, Ulukau, and Wehewehe (see individual guides) to gain a broad understanding of your topic.
Identify Keywords: As you read, note down important terms, names, and events related to your topic. These keywords will be crucial for deeper research.

Step 3: Utilize University Resources

Access Library Databases: Utilize the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa library's databases dedicated to Hawaiian and Pacific Collections for scholarly articles, books, and primary sources.
Consult Librarians: Reach out to librarians specialized in Hawaiian studies for guidance on finding and using specific resources.

Step 4: Engage with Hawaiian Knowledge Systems

Primary Sources: Seek out oli (chants), mele (songs), moʻolelo (stories), and other forms of native Hawaiian literature and oral histories.
Cultural Context: Incorporate resources that provide cultural and historical context to your topic. Understanding the cultural significance behind your research is important.

Step 5: Ethical Research Practices

Hōʻihi & Mālama: Ensure your research practices respect Hawaiian culture, values, and communities. Acknowledge the sources of your knowledge and avoid appropriating or misrepresenting the Hawaiian culture.
Community Engagement: If your research involves the community, engage with them respectfully, seek permission when necessary, and consider how your research can benefit the community.

Step 6: Organize and Analyze Your Findings

Take Detailed Notes: Organize your research by themes, questions, or chronological order. Summarize key points and how they relate to your research question.
Critical Analysis: Analyze the information critically, especially when dealing with historical narratives or sources that may present biased views.

Step 7: Citing Sources

Follow Citation Guidelines: Use the appropriate academic style (APA, MLA, Chicago) for citing sources (see Citation Guides). Be meticulous in citing Hawaiian language sources correctly.
Cultural Sensitivity: When citing oral histories or knowledge passed down through generations, ensure you give proper acknowledgment and respect to those sources.

Step 8: Drafting and Revision

Create an Outline: Draft an outline of your paper or project, organizing your research findings into a coherent structure.
Seek Feedback: Share your draft with professors, peers, or mentors. Constructive feedback is invaluable for refining your research.

Step 9: Finalize Your Research

Revise Thoroughly: Incorporate the feedback you've received, checking for clarity, coherence, and academic rigor.
Proofread: Pay close attention to grammar, spelling, and formatting. Ensure your final piece respects and accurately represents Hawaiian culture.

Step 10: Share Your Research

Class Presentations: Share your findings in class presentations or seminars.
Academic Conferences and Publications: Consider presenting your research at academic conferences or submitting your work for publication in scholarly journals, especially those focusing on Hawaiian studies and Indigenous knowledge.