Recommendations for Culturally Sensitive Research Methods

As the US continues to diversify, methods for accurately assessing human behavior must evolve. This paper offers multicultural research considerations at several stages of the research process for psychological research and consultation. Implications regarding the comparative research framework are discussed and suggestions are offered on how to avoid inadvertently communicating the notion that a White control group is needed to make psychological research meaningful. Strategies for data collection such as including pertinent stakeholders are offered with special consideration for researchers who collect data in school settings. Recruitment and retention issues are discussed as it relates to trust building. Psychological and educational assessments are considered and suggestions for reducing bias by assessing cultural variables are presented. Study interpretation is examined with particular attention to threats to validity that may arise when conducting multicultural research.