Research methods used by psychologists and other researchers in areas of transpersonal psychology and transpersonal studies have evolved and changed over the years. Where once only quantitative research methods were used, there are now a variety of qualitative methods including “field studies, grounded theory, textual analysis, discourse analysis, and with additional methods from naturalistic, feminist, narrative, and heuristic research approaches” (Braud, 1998, p.9).
Research, as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws (“Research”, 2018). In his paper, Can Research Be Transpersonal, Braud highlights the importance of looking at a topic from a variety of perspectives to provide the most comprehensive results. By being thorough investigators, looking at the information over and over, and approaching research without any preconceived bias or expectation “we may be rewarded by auspicious surprises that can contribute to our ever-increasing store of knowledge and, hopefully, of wisdom” (Braud, 1998, p.10). Braud introduces the idea of inclusivity which he defines as using multiple methods to increase the range and profundity of a topic where each specific method highlights more aspects than had previously been possible.
An important consideration in the acquisition of new knowledge in transpersonal research is the “goal of assimilation, integration, and transformation” (Braud, 1998, p. 11). Seeking and selecting a topic that is meaningful to the participants utilizes their life experiences providing results that are more meaningful and perhaps even self-transformational. In fact, when researches choose a topic they are passionate about especially in studying transpersonal issues, the personal experience will be more profound for them as well. The findings will have a greater relevance and usefulness to others.
There are four categories of questions that are useful when conducting research projects of a transpersonal nature: “outcomes, processes, conceptualizations, and experiences” (Braud, 1998. p.12). Braud notes the importance of respecting traditional methods of research by using outcome related questions in transpersonal studies in order to communicate the value of study results as effective and valuable. Experiences and processes, how they develop during a specified time, the nature, factors and guidelines as addressed in process-related questions are well suited in transpersonal contexts. Next, conceptualization-related questions are a basis for comprehending topics both theoretically and historically whereby greater meaning is found in examining the underlying factors of findings. Lastly, experience-related questions are utilized for seeking deep descriptions of transpersonal experiences on as may levels as conceivable in order to map the diversity of experiences for greater understanding.
Significant research from a variety of resources is required prior to the commencement of an investigation on a topic. This forms a background and basis for the original research. Information is then gathered from research participants and from his or her own personal experiences. Braud suggests the many eyes approach whereby data is acquired through the collection of information from participants; it is then examined using analytical, linear and logical thought, and findings are expressed using robust, linear language. The goal is “to access as many levels of knowing as possible—both in one's participants and in oneself” (Braud, 1998. p.14) in order to facilitate the emergence of a rich tapestry of experiences of both the inner and outer world.
In the many brains approach, data can be both analytical and emotional, rational and intuitive, conventional and alternative. It utilizes one’s imagination, the desire to experience the topic on many levels and the ability to honor the thoughtful nature of the process.
Expressing the findings using many mouths, which is using as many different modalities as possible, provides the research audience the opportunity to appreciate and identify with the described experiences. Examples would be using downloadable video or audio files, DVD’s, or interactive websites to present the findings. The transpersonal researcher will consider their audience carefully and often employ a form of mass dissemination of knowledge by publishing books, offering workshops or giving public lectures to those who can best utilize the information.
Braud’s paper provides many insights into the successful way transpersonal researchers are able to utilize a host of different methodologies and research techniques in order to obtain the broadest and richest data. I like how Braud further explores the definition of research using terms like respect, revision, estimate and aim presenting the “idea of re-looking, circling around a topic—especially an important topic—of inquiry again and again, hoping to understand it from a variety of perspectives” (Braud, 1998. p.10).
He notes the importance of honoring conventional research methodology in order to gain recognition and acceptance by more traditional peers, as well as appealing to an alternative audience. The use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches gives rise to a well-rounded, expansive and thoughtfully re-examined collection of data which may incorporate criteria important to transpersonal researchers. This includes “contributions from both the intellect and the body, emotions, intuitions, aesthetic aspects, the coherence of all of these, and the agreement or disagreement of these with what already has been learned in various cultural, spiritual, and wisdom traditions” (Braud, 1998. p.16).
Braud’s investigation into whether research can be transpersonal identifies that “research methods and approaches can be expanded” (Braud, 1998. p. 16) so they better address transpersonal concerns. I agree with his assessment that this can be achieved by examining worldviews and assumptions, conducting background investigation of the topic, interpreting the topic, connecting to the research and participants, utilizing the four categories of research questions and applying alternative approaches to validity. The more encompassing the investigation of the topic, the more conclusive the findings will be; the more passionate the researcher is about the topic, the more involved he or she will be with the research participants; and the more diverse the methods and processes involved in the design of the study, the more complex and richer the results will be.
References
Braud, W. (1998). Can research be transpersonal? Transpersonal Psychology Review, 2(2), 9-17. Retrieved from http://www.sacredsciencecircle.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/CanResearchBeTranspersonal.pdf
Research [Def. 2]. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster Online. In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved October 5, 2018, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/research