Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - 02120019
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED343957 AUTHOR: Irwin, Claire C.
TITLE: Research Methodologies Used in Women's Gender-Equity
Studies.
YEAR PUBLISHED: 1992
NOTE: 27 p.
ABSTRACT: In the last 10 years, women's gender-equity
reports have increased in number. Some theorists perceive
quantitative procedures as "masculine" and qualitative
procedures as "feminine." To refute this dichotomy, over
200 equity research reports produced between 1981 and 1991
were examined in a mini-meta analysis to identify the span,
depth, and rigor of the various techniques and
methodologies used. Findings reveal a wide variety of
techniques blending quantitative and qualitative
approaches. Sophisticated empirical studies were in the
minority. Evidence of quantification ranged from standard
survey techniques to regression and factor-analytic models.
Statistical inference using some common and uncommon
statistical tools occurred, but not with regularity.
Qualitative procedures included: (1) participatory
research; (2) oral history; (3) personal life histories;
(4) inventories; (5) attitude scales; (6) photostory
analysis; (7) content analysis of structured or
semistructured data; (8) semantic differential analysis;
and (9) other quasi-objective methods. Gender-equity
studies have borrowed or modified methods from many
disciplines, but methodologically new techniques uniquely
suited to women's studies are needed. "Portraiture," as
pioneered by S. Lightfoot, is a new method that could be
adapted to support gender-equity investigations. A 43-item
list of references and an appendix about the number of
women earning doctoral degrees are included. (SLD)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: Affirmative-Action; Factor-Analysis;
Females-; Feminism-; Literature-Reviews; Meta-Analysis;
Research-Reports; Sex-Bias; Sex-Fairness
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Qualitative-Research; *Research
Methodology; *Sex-Discrimination; *Womens-Studies
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