The choice of a qualitative research methodology to study some of the questions and problems in adult education has resulted in some significant contributions to the knowledge base of adult education. Among other contributions, qualitative inquiry has led to the concepts of marginality, enrollment economy, and perspective transformation, stimulated research in participation, motivation, and self-directed learning, and led to a better understanding of adult illiterates. The potential of this research methodology for extending the knowledge base of adult education in the future is also discussed.
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