In conventional ethnographic work, researchers most often spend time as participant observers in the everyday lives of the research subjects. But, they do not leave their own perspectives behind. They acknowledge their personal, professional, and political positions as they align themselves with a particular population. Beginning as much as possible from the perspective and experiences of these subjects, researchers then use their own theoretical, practical, and research positions to uncover the social, political, and economic structures that influence the research subjects' lives. (Smith 1986, p. 12) This is not necessarily a collaborative process. While the subjects may be given the opportunity to respond to the researchers' interpretation of their situation, they may not be involved in its development. Instead, it is assumed that the researchers will add a layer of analysis based on knowledge they have of what happens outside the research situation.

Alternate paradigm work, as described by Patricia Maguire (1987) does include more active participation of the subjects throughout the research process. In contrast to the ethnographic model, researchers within this paradigm work more collaborative with participants, giving them a measure of control over the research plan, process, and product. The research subjects participate not only in . the collection of data, but also in the analysis of that data and the development of solutions. In this way, researchers are unable to "rewrite the other's world or impose upon it a conceptual framework." (Smith, 1981, p. 8)

Maguire outlines two alternative paradigm methodologies: interpretive research and critical research. Interpretive research is often used to increase understanding between groups of people who have different access to power and to authority. It focuses on how people's different experiences lead to different interpretations of reality. The ways in which Individuals think, feel, and act arise from these interpretations and, if they cannot learn more about each other's perspectives, they will not be able to move forward without confrontation.

Critical research, on the other hand, does not , necessarily work towards understanding others' perspectives. Instead, it focuses on what individuals do within their own context, how they develop understandings of their own situation. As Maguire (1987) says, it is "used to help people see themselves and social situations in a new way"(p.14) so they can change how they are doing things or work to get free from social systems that stop them from getting what they need. It is based on an action/ reflection model where the theory that is developed comes directly out of the action taken within the research.

This research project probably fits most comfortably into Maguire's critical model. At the same time, Patti Lather's (1991) outline of postmodem research and pedagogy also had significant influence on the design. Her definition of feminist research, like those of Liz Stanley and Dorothy Smith, clearly supports the way the process developed --- the overt ideological goal of feminist research in the human sciences is to correct both the invisibility and the distortion of female experience in ways relevant to ending women's unequal social position.(p.71)