Oral Histories: A method for amplifying and empowering underrepresented voices

Abstract Information: When studying programs inherently related to equity and challenging the dominant research perspective, it is antithetical to use traditional methodologies. Evaluation methods should be as culturally responsive as the programs themselves. To re-conceptualize evaluation to be more inclusive, it is critical to give voice to historically underrepresented and marginalized individuals to honor their experiences, cultures and identities. One way is through oral histories--in-depth interviews to elicit memories and personal stories about significant events and experiences. This presentation will describe the use of oral history interviews to evaluate a "counter-research" program seeking parity of minority representation in culturally responsive research by training undergraduates to conduct research challenging dominant paradigms. We will introduce this innovative method and share our findings, successes, failures and recommendations to help other evaluators understand how this method can amplify and empower participants' voices.