Do Research Reports in Mainstream Feminist Psychology Journals Reflect Feminist Values?

Abstract

Core values in feminist approaches to psychological research include attention to the relationship between scientists and citizens. But traditional methodological norms dictate that investigators restrict citizens' participation in research and prescribe an impersonal, decontextualized writing style in journal reports. Content analysis of 228 research articles in two journals associated with feminist psychology-the Psychology of Women Quarterly and Sex Roles, spanning the journals' first decadeshowed that authors typically provided minimal or no information about such relationship dimensions as level of participation, informed consent, and feedback. The depersonalized writing style generally employed gives the impression that some feminist psychologists have adopted androcentric standards for the research relationship. Developing appropriate models for both research methods and report writing is essential for feminist researchers to resolve the apparent contradiction between ideals and behavior. But certain institutional obstacles need to be overcome for the resolution to occur.

Androcentric Reporting of Gender Differences in APA Journals: 1965–2004

“…First, qualitative reviews have suggested that feminist research in psychology has tended to undo negative evaluations of women in traditional theories more often than undo the position of males as the standard of comparison within those theories (e.g., Crawford and Marecek, 1989;Mednick, 1989;Walsh, 1989). Second, the move to forbid the use of the generic 'he' met with considerable resistance (see Martyna, 1980 for a review and Hofstadter, 1985 for a satirical view of this debate).…”

Feminist and Community Psychology Ethics in Research with Homeless Women

“…Unfortunately, research by feminist and community psychologists has not always lived up to a stated ethical commitment to liberation. Most research reports published in feminist journals in the late 1980's adhered to traditional, positivist methods in the research and writing (Walsh, 1989). As well, the individualistic focus of most feminist research fails to promote the collective action necessary for liberation (Fine & Gordon, 1991).…”

A Feminist Family Therapy Research Study

“…The present study incorporates four main features of feminist research (e.g., Acker et al, 1983;Joyappa & Martin, 1996;Lindsey, 1997;Thompson, 1992;Walsh, 1989): (1) to perceive women's experience as a source and justification of knowledge; (2) to break down the artificial division between the researcher and the subjects; (3) to question whose interests are served by the research by examining whether it employs a process of exploitation or empowerment; and (4) to consider who the subjects are, and who the authors are. Thus, a collaborative approach with the woman with AN was followed throughout the entire research process.…”