Drug Decriminalization in Maryland Through an African Centered Research Paradigm- Analysis and Recommendations

coherent and systematic theory is in place, then one elaboration may be to raise questions
that may require empirical answers. The empirical question is neither necessary nor
sufficient as evidence for the validity of theory. Considering the conspicuous absence of
introspection and self-study within the context of the appropriate worldview for African
people, then it would seem that empirical questions would be premature in the absence of
theoretical base from which to generate such questions.
Curtis Banks (1980) has identified "deconstructive" or falsification research as another
type of research. Such research is concerned with an analysis of the construct validity of
traditional research. The falsification researcher is concerned with demonstrating the
fallacy of the inferences and the methodological distortions of that traditional research.
This is a process beginning to undo the kinds of destructive inferences about African
Americans such as we have described above that emanated from traditional research.
Falsification research involves both theoretical dismantling as well as empirical rebuttal.
Ethnographic research is probably the only authentic form of empirical research that is
appropriate for this point in our scientific method of development. This approach permits
the researcher, having passed the “Relationship [Research] Index” (Sowande, 1971) to
observe black people where they are and to try fulfilling the criteria of a worker within the
African paradigm who can begin to identify those characteristics of Black people that are
most fruitful in the light of our research model. Rather than cataloging deficiencies of
Black people, the ethnographer researcher can identify those strengths and self affirmative
patterns that have facilitated our growth.
Finally, heuristic research offers the bridge to our discussion of modalities. This research
follows from the ethnographic research in that it begins to articulate culturally adaptive
styles and begins to demonstrate the benefits, which come from adapting that style. The
objective of this research is to fortify those structures that have been demonstrated to be
beneficial to the survival and advancement of Black people. If tests are to be used, what
kinds of tests would be most appropriate in identifying those qualities that have emerged
as valuable and effective for survival from the ethnographic research. (Akbar, 2003).
While named the “African American” research paradigm by Akbar, this 4 part methodology is a
good starting point for an emancipatory research methodology for individuals of any race.
Theoretical research does not take into account the existing research in the field. In contrast,
deconstruction research attempts to question the underlying assumptions behind existing research,
with an understanding that in a society structured by racism/white supremacy, no research can
extricate itself from reflecting the cultural bias of the researchers and is used in some way,
according to Ani, as a tool to help strengthen the existing system of power. Ethnographic research
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