Nonsexist Research Methods (PDF)

In accessible and jargon-free language, Margrit Eichler provides a systematic approach to identifying, eliminating, and preventing sexist bias in social science research. She begins with a general discussion of the problems and implications of sexism in research, and then identifies four primary sources of bias: androcentricity, overgeneralization, gender insensitivity, and double standards. Three derivative sources of bias -- sex appropriateness, familism, and sexual dichotism -- are also discussed. Each chapter defines a problem and provides illustrative examples drawn from recently published work. In the concluding chapter, Eichler outlines a step-by-step approach to avoiding the intrduction of sexist bias at each phase of the research process. She also provides concrete suggestions for eliminating bias in titles, language, research design, concepts, research methods, data interpretation, and policy evaluations and recommendations. The book includes a Nonsexist Research Checklist that is designed as a handy reference to be used during the research process. Nonsexist Research Methods is appropriate to both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Written specially with students in mind, this book will prove invaluable to researchers and research methods courses in sociology, political science, economics, pyschology, anthropology, and women's studies.