How do most of us define 'experts'? Most of us would agree that people get very good at something from a) having had experience with it for a long time, b) after learning about something for a long time, or c) both a & b.
People with 'advanced' degrees have had to take many classes, pass various exams, and often write and defend theses and dissertations in order to earn their degrees. At that point, they are already know a lot about their subject area. But then add years of being employed in jobs focused on that field of knowledge, maybe teaching that subject, and/or doing research trying to answer questions arising from that topic...at that point, they are definitely experts in their 'field of knowledge'.
Expert Information from scholars, academics, highly-trained professionals and researchers will be found in:
And when you're not an expert... yet want to know about interesting new research results:
Historically, yes. Though that is changing.
Traditional Indigenous Knowledge and general Folk Knowledge arises from generations of observation and experiences. It will most often be found in the form of orally-shared information. Some of this information may have been written down / transcribed / recorded (such as by anthropologists), and thus some may be located in academic books or articles.
However, be aware that fully understanding or analyzing information that has been isolated, taken out of the context of when / how / why it was shared, can be more difficult.
"Indigenous Knowledge is a body of observations, oral and written knowledge, innovations, practices, and beliefs developed by Tribes and Indigenous Peoples through interaction and experience with the environment"..."Indigenous Knowledge can be developed over millennia, continues to develop, and includes understanding based on evidence acquired through direct contact with the environment and long-term experiences, as well as extensive observations, lessons, and skills passed from generation to generation." --Guidance for (United States) Federal Departments and Agencies on Indigenous Knowledge
"Western systems of knowledge appropriate and at the same time devalue information created by Indigenous ways of knowing. When working with Indigenous Knowledge in an academic context, it is vital to respect the authority, agency, and voice of Indigenous Knowledge. Do not treat Indigenous authorities as mere "informants," but rather as equals in the knowledge creation process." (Tuhiwai Smith, 2012)
- Randall, K. (n.d.). Research Guides: Indigenous Research & Knowledges in North America: Indigenous Knowledge & Methodologies. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://libguides.colorado.edu/c.php?g=1052968&p=7645909
"Folk knowledge is engineering for everyday life [emphasis mine], relating to things that seem to work or tend to work. Mechanisms don't matter directly. If a certain remedy helps mild conditions, it doesn't particularly matter whether it's a placebo or accidentally "right" for the wrong reasons. It's about practicality." - Folk knowledge. (2023, October 6). Andrew Conner
