Contents
Learning Goals
This week we will focus on learning about some feminist research methods– how do we do our research, what are the benefits and limits of different methods, and what makes them feminist?
- Identify and compare feminist research methods
- Consider specific methods and apply them to our own research plans
Key Concepts/Vocabulary for the week
- Qualitative research
- Quantitative research
- Reflexivity
- Interviews
- Focus Groups
- Case Studies
- Discourse Analysis
- Autoethnography
Read
This week, there is no video to watch. All the notes for this week are in this module but also available here
Read the following + use the questions as a guide:
- Wambui, “Introduction to Feminist Research”
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- What is qualitative research and why does the author argue that it is better suited for feminist research? (What might Collins have to add?)
- What is reflexivity and why is it important for feminist research?
- What arguments does she show for the benefits of quantitative research?
- What is discourse analysis and how is it different than the other three methods she outlines (Interviews, Focus groups, Case studies)?
- Ellis et al, “Autoethnography: an Overview”
- What is autoethnography? What are some of the appeals of this method for feminist research?
- What is the difference between “telling your story” and conducting an “autoethnography?” Think about this question with respect to the process and the product.
- How does autoethnography allow for connection to others? Give examples from the text.
Praxis Model: Transcripts
Listen to Episode 1 (“I’m seeing my liberation right now”) of the podcast, Transcripts of the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project. As you listen, think about the readings and their discussion of research.
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- What is this podcast and what is its purpose?
- What is this episode about?
- What type of research is involved in the production of this podcast–what knowledge or information do they share + what is the source?
- What do you think about a podcast as a way to share research? What is possible and what are the limits?
Post and Comment on Discussion Board #4
Discussion Board post due Thursday 9/24
Comment due Sunday 9/27
Please respond to all sets of questions below. The post should be 400-600 words (and can be longer). Your post should address all of the questions listed.
- Describe each of the four methods outlined in Wambui’s article. Add “autoethnography” from the Ellis piece to this list and explain this method. Share your reflections about the podcast.
- Discuss each method in relationship to your final project ideas– if you had the time and resources you would need: is the method appropriate? How would you use this method to do your research? Who would your participants/subjects be? And, if the method is not a good fit, why not? This is only a thought experiment — you are not committing to any methods here.
Work on Final Project
- Draft project proposal — due on Tuesday 9/22!
- Final project proposal due next week, Tuesday 9/29.
