ABSTRACT
Research can be compared to cooking. The process of conducting research into adult learning is similar: It can be learned, reflects a personal project, and leads to different outcomes for different people, even when the ingredients are very similar. The cooking metaphor even contains a similar circularity to research. One reason for the complexity of research is the necessity to think seriously about knowledge. Feminist research made an extraordinary contribution to human thinking about 50 years ago by challenging the dominant masculine and patriarchal view of knowledge and demonstrating the value of subjectivity and morality in research. One outstanding feature of research into adult learning is the recognition of the power of narrative and experience. Adult learning is a localized and diverse endeavor and inevitably reflects the life experiences and identities of those involved. As a new researcher moves to deepen their understanding of adult learning, it is essential for them to think about what their responsibilities and commitments are.
