1. Feminist Methods of Research Feminist thinkers have changed –Theory about oppression, power, inequality –Connection between scholarship and activism –Challenged our assumptions about research and the creation of knowledge Questions asked Interpretations Use of research Written text

2. Feminist Research- Terms Connection of theory and methods Epistemology- theory of knowledge –(roles, ethics, interpretation, assumptions) Methodology- theory and analysis of how research should proceed Methods- techniques for gathering data

3. Change in how we conceptualize research (begins in 1970s) Modern/positivist Measurement, prediction Deduction- general to specific (based on laws, rules Truth, verifiable reality Objectivity of researcher Postmodern/ Postpositivist Experience, description Induction (specific to general) Multiple truths of experience Subjectivity of researcher

4. Feminist Research Part of the change towards postmodern/postpositivist wave of research in 1970s Starting point: Neglect of women’s perspectives and experiences in production of knowledge Making women central to research as researchers and as subjects

5. Feminist Research Ask research questions from a woman’s point of view Challenging the universality of scientific fact or truth Challenging sexism, racism, class, and colonialism in research process –Representing diversity Breaking down power imbalance between researcher and researched (self-reflexive) Emancipatory and liberatory goals –Social change