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Reviewed by:
  • Performing Qualitative Cross-Cultural Research
  • Michael L. Rowland, PhD (bio)
Performing Qualitative Cross-Cultural Research, by Pranee Liamputtong. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2010. 288 pp.

This how-to book, Performing Qualitative Cross-Cultural Research, draws upon the research experiences and qualitative work of professor and author Pranee Liamputtong. Much of the book incorporates Liamputtong's previous books and articles about her research in Southeast Asia and Thailand. Each of its nine chapters concludes with a summary, recommends cross-cultural qualitative tutorial activities to impart knowledge and teach skills and provides some suggested readings. Some of the information may appear to be obvious suggestions for the more seasoned researcher. However, when one is in the midst of a research study, this book may well serve as a helpful reminder of the methodological and practical issues to consider when conducting cross-cultural research.

"Performing qualitative cross-cultural research: An introduction" is the opening chapter. The author discusses the need for providing culturally competent care in conducting research in cross-cultural situations, particularly on marginalized people. She begins the chapter with a case study from one of her own studies about a Hmong woman (Mai) who had given birth by Caesarean, section the cultural implications of that, and how they were resolved in this cross-cultural setting.

Chapter two on "Moral and ethical perspectives" delves into some of the major concerns in conducting cross-cultural research. The author addresses important ethical and moral issues involved in research including issues of informed consent, which can [End Page 392] be particularly problematic when there are language differences involved between the researcher and her participants.

The author points out that many marginalized groups have endured unethical treatment in the name of research and science. Most familiar in this chapter is the discussion of the Tuskegee experiment with African American men that continues to create mistrust in the African American community and the health care system. (Recent disclosures of the deliberate syphilis infection of prisoners and mental patients in Guatemala by researchers, one of whom was also involved in the Tuskegee study, can only have heightened this distrust.1) Although there are precautions and codes now in place to prevent such abuses from happening again, Liamputtong provides compelling evidence that marginalized people have continued to be subjected to unethical medical research.24 The importance of doing no harm is particularly stressed in this chapter, as is developing an ethic of care when working in cross-cultural research. It is important to note that ethical issues can arise in any research project and the researcher should understand and anticipate such difficulties before they arise.

"The research participants: Accessing and reciprocity" is the focus of chapter three, which examines recruitment strategies to access potential research participants and issues of compensation. The author addresses how to identify and recruit participants when they are not interested in participating or mistrust researchers' motives. In cases where linguistic and cultural barriers exist, developing culturally appropriate recruitment strategies is a necessity. Some suggestions include knowing the gatekeepers within the culture; identifying those who can give or provide access to local potential participants; and seeking and and obtaining support from local leaders who can lend credibility to the researcher and his/her research.

One way the author describes to gain access to potential participants is to include the use of culture brokers, or "people who serve as links between individuals or groups who are culturally different."[p.67] The author also notes the importance of using bicultural researchers and research assistants. She warns, however, that bicultural researchers may impose some difficulties that might otherwise be avoided: "Small minority communities may distrust cultural insiders because they fear that their issues may be gossiped about by the researchers within their community"[p.68] Liamputtong points out the advantages and disadvantages of using several methods of recruitment. For instance, snowballing is often used in qualitative research designs to identify potential participants, but it can also limit the diversity of participants. The chapter also tackles the controversial issues of whether to offer incentives or provide compensation for participants.

"Cultural Sensitivity: A responsible researcher" focuses on the importance of having and demonstrating cultural sensitivity when...

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