The Mmogo-Method™: Discovering Symbolic Community Interactions

Abstract

In this article the development and implementation of the Mmogo-Method™ is discussed as a culture-sensitive data collection method. The Mmogo-Method™ provides opportunities for social researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural symbolism in which social life is embedded and that informs experiences, perceptions and behaviour. In this method, people create their own data by making visual presentations that reflect contextually grounded symbolic meanings. Theoretical underpinnings of social constructionism, symbolic interactionism and community psychology are discussed and applied as the rationale for the development and implementation of the Mmogo-Method™. Examples of research using the Mmogo-Method™ are provided to illustrate its value and various different application possibilities. The Mmogo-Method™ attempts to produce community-based knowledge that is gathered and disseminated in a coherent way; thereby contributing to the possibility that indigenous knowledge may form part of national and international discussions.

Keywords:

• contextually-embedded research method
• Mmogo-Method™
• visual research method