There are a variety of methods (or combinations thereof) that may be used to report
research results back to communities, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. In addition, all forms of reporting should be bilingual, with at least one of the
languages being the most widely spoken local language (typically the local Inuktitut dialect, of which there are several, and English or French). Some examples of communication methods include:
❖ Local or regional radio shows
• Advantages: informational radio shows can reach a broad community
audience and are one of the most effective means of communication in
northern communities; call-in shows can allow for two-way interaction
(allowing project methods and goals to be clarified and discussed). Given the
popularity of local radio, call-in shows also reach a greater number of local
residents than other modes of communication;
• Disadvantages: it is imperative to have the help of a qualified translator
who is a good communicator, and it can be challenging to arrange air time.
❖ Workshops, meetings, or focus groups
• Advantages: can be excellent interactive (face-to-face) sessions for
discussing any stage of a research project;
• Disadvantages: they can be costly and time consuming to plan and deliver; some key individuals may be excluded and thus it is hard to ensure
that all local perspectives are accounted for.
❖ Presentations in the community and/or schools
• Advantages: can reach a broad community audience; help keep youth
informed and involved;
• Disadvantages: it is often hard to incorporate dialogue or interaction and
thus not always effective for getting feedback.
❖ Interactive multi-media CD-ROM or website
• Advantages: may be created as an educational resource, or project
summary; it is an inexpensive way of presenting research results in an interactive manner; visual and creative components are often more appreciated than written documents; websites can be easily updated;
• Disadvantages: while effective tools in reaching younger people (especially
in a school setting), websites may not reach individuals and families that
lack access to a computer/internet.
❖ Copies of audio/video tapes and/or transcripts
• Advantages: makes all the raw data available for the community to use
for their own purposes; very detailed, and not subjected to manipulation by
the researcher;
A G UIDE F OR R ESEARCHERS
❖
19