University of Huddersfield

About: University of Huddersfield is a education organization based out in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 5284 authors who have published 12246 publications receiving 218339 citations. The organization is also known as: Huddersfield University & The University of Huddersfield.

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.

Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research

Abstract: Evaluating the quality of research is essential if findings are to be utilised in practice and incorporated into care delivery. In a previous article we explored ‘bias’ across research designs and outlined strategies to minimise bias.1 The aim of this article is to further outline rigour, or the integrity in which a study is conducted, and ensure the credibility of findings in relation to qualitative research. Concepts such as reliability, validity and generalisability typically associated with quantitative research and alternative terminology will be compared in relation to their application to qualitative research. In addition, some of the strategies adopted by qualitative researchers to enhance the credibility of their research are outlined. Assessing the reliability of study findings requires researchers and health professionals to make judgements about the ‘soundness’ of the research in relation to …

The Utility of Template Analysis in Qualitative Psychology Research

Abstract: Thematic analysis is widely used in qualitative psychology research, and in this article, we present a particular style of thematic analysis known as Template Analysis We outline the technique and consider its epistemological position, then describe three case studies of research projects which employed Template Analysis to illustrate the diverse ways it can be used Our first case study illustrates how the technique was employed in data analysis undertaken by a team of researchers in a large-scale qualitative research project Our second example demonstrates how a qualitative study that set out to build on mainstream theory made use of the a priori themes (themes determined in advance of coding) permitted in Template Analysis Our final case study shows how Template Analysis can be used from an interpretative phenomenological stance We highlight the distinctive features of this style of thematic analysis, discuss the kind of research where it may be particularly appropriate, and consider possible limitations of the technique We conclude that Template Analysis is a flexible form of thematic analysis with real utility in qualitative psychology research