Concept mapping as a feminist research method - Examining the community response to rape

A method used in program evaluation and public health research called conce pt mapping is examined in this article for its usefulness in feminist resea rch. This method embodies several defining characteristics of feminist soci al science. Concept mapping is a single method that integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches, provides an opportunity for participants to wo rk together as a group to develop an understanding of a concept, and places the participants in control of interpretation. Over the course of a six-st ep process, a group of people are assembled to discuss an issue or concept, moving toward a group understanding of that concept, which is then represe nted in a visual picture, or map. Concept mapping was used in the current s tudy to examine how community resources for sexual-assault victims could be improved. A national random sample of 168 rape-victim advocates provided i deas as to how the legal, medical, and mental health systems could better s erve victims. A subgroup of advocates then constructed and interpreted a co ncept map. The map suggested that rape victims still face many problems in seeking community help. Twelve clusters of broad-based and specific system changes were identified (e.g., fighting victim blaming, community education , sensitizing medical staff, legal reform), implications for research on se xual assault and feminist research methodology are discussed.