A Feminist Response to Issues of Validity in Research

Abstract

Feminist research has been attacked by critics who claim that it is weak on issues of validity. Feminist researchers can effectively respond to these criticisms by reconceptualizing issues of validity as they relate to feminist goals and research methodologies. Various issues of validity can be addressed through reconceptualization in terms of “trustworthiness” and by demonstrating the “applicability” of research findings. Through such reconceptualizations, feminist researchers can position their work as rigorous, adopt an action orientation, achieve emancipation and social change for women, and in doing so, effectively respond to their critics.