Vivien Burr

Bio: Vivien Burr is an academic researcher from University of Huddersfield. The author has contributed to research in topics: Social constructionism & Construct (philosophy). The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 59 publications receiving 4159 citations.

An introduction to social constructionism

Abstract: Introduction to Social Constructionism is a readable and critical account of social constructionism for students new to the field. Focusing on the challenge to psychology that social constructionism poses, Viven Burr examines the notion of 'personality' to illustrate the rejection of essentialism by social constructionists. This questions psychology's traditional understanding of the person. She then shows how the study of language can be used as a focus for our understanding of human behaviour and experience. This is continued by examining 'discourses' and their role in constructing social phenomena, and the relationship between discourse and power. However, the problems associated with these analyses are also clearly outlined.Many people believe that one of the aims of social science should be to bring about social change. Viven Burr analyses what possibilities there might be for change in social constructionist accounts. She also addresses what social constructionism means in practice to research in the social sciences, and includes some guidelines on undertaking discourse analysis.Introduction to Social Constructionism is an invaluable and clear guide for all perplexed students who want to begin to understand this difficult area.

Using thematic analysis in psychology

Abstract: Thematic analysis is a poorly demarcated, rarely acknowledged, yet widely used qualitative analytic method within psychology. In this paper, we argue that it offers an accessible and theoretically flexible approach to analysing qualitative data. We outline what thematic analysis is, locating it in relation to other qualitative analytic methods that search for themes or patterns, and in relation to different epistemological and ontological positions. We then provide clear guidelines to those wanting to start thematic analysis, or conduct it in a more deliberate and rigorous way, and consider potential pitfalls in conducting thematic analysis. Finally, we outline the disadvantages and advantages of thematic analysis. We conclude by advocating thematic analysis as a useful and flexible method for qualitative research in and beyond psychology.

The archaeology of knowledge

Abstract: We may not be able to make you love reading, but archaeology of knowledge will lead you to love reading starting from now. Book is the window to open the new world. The world that you want is in the better stage and level. World will always guide you to even the prestige stage of the life. You know, this is some of how reading will give you the kindness. In this case, more books you read more knowledge you know, but it can mean also the bore is full.

Discourse Analysis as Theory and Method

Abstract: Discourse Analysis as Theory and Method is a systematic introduction to discourse analysis as a body of theories and methods for social research. It brings together three central approaches, Laclau and Mouffe's discourse theory, critical discourse analysis and discursive psychology, in order to establish a dialogue between different forms of discourse analysis often kept apart by disciplinary boundaries. The book introduces the three approaches in a clear and easily comprehensible manner, explaining the distinctive philosophical premises and theoretical perspectives of each approach as well as the methodological guidelines and tools they provide for empirical discourse analysis. The authors also demonstrate the possibilities for combining different discourse analytical and non-discourse analytical approaches in empirical study. Finally, they contextualize discourse analysis within the social constructionist debate about critical social research, rejecting the view that a critical stance is incompatible with social constructionist premises and arguing that critique must be an inherent part of social research.

Introducing qualitative research in psychology : adventures in theory and method

Abstract: List of boxes chapter one: From recipes to adventures How, and what, can we know? Positivism Empiricism Hypothetico-deductivism Critique of the 'scientific method' Feminist critique of established epistemologies Social constructionism Epistemology and methodology Qualitative research Overview of the book Three epistemological questions Further reading chapter two: Qualitative research design General principles of qualitative research design The research question Choosing the 'right' method Semi-structured interviewing Participant observation Diaries Focus groups Further reading chapter three: Grounded Theory Basic principles of Grounded Theory An example of Grounded Theory Versions of Grounded Theory Limitations of Grounded Theory as a method for psychological research Three epistemological questions Further reading chapter four: Phenomenological methods Phenomenology The phenomenological method Phenomenology and psychology Descriptive phenomenology Interpretative phenomenology Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Doing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Analysis of an individual case Worked example Integration of cases Interpretation Writing up An example of IPA Limitations of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Three epistemological questions Conclusion Further reading chapter five: Case studies Research methods for psychological case studies Types of design for case study research Procedural issues An example of case study research Limitations of case study research Three epistemological questions Conclusion Further reading chapter six: Discursive Psychology The 'turn to language' Discursive Psychology and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Discursive Psychology An example of discourse analysis Limitations of discursive psychology Three epistemological questions Further reading chapter seven: Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Selecting texts for analysis Procedural guidelines for the analysis of discourse An illustration of the application of the six stages to an interview extract Limitations of Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Three epistemological questions Key differences between Discursive Psychology and Foucauldian Discourse Analysis Further reading chapter eight: Working with memories Narrative psychology Memory work Why memories? Data collection and analysis 'Saying sorry': an example of data analysis in Memory Work Limitations of Memory Work Three epistemological questions Conclusion Further reading chapter nine: Quality in qualitative research What constitutes 'good' qualitative research? Epistemology and evaluation Evaluation of the methods introduced in this book Some caveats Opportunities and limitations in qualitative research A word about technology 'What' and 'how' Further reading Appendix one: What is understood by 'dominance'? An interpretation through memories Goran Petronic Reflexive preface Abstract Introduction Method Participants Procedure Analysis of memories Comparison of memories Discussion References Appendix two: A qualitative study of the occurrence of abuse in one heterosexual and in one lesbian relationship Kris dew Valour Reflexive preface Abstract Introduction Method Reflexivity Results Discussion References Appendix Appendix three:The emotional experience of looking at art : an observation in the National Gallery Karolina Mornsjo Reflexive preface Abstract Introduction Method Setting Participants Ethical consideration The paintings Practical considerations Analysis Discussion References References Index