Research and Reflexivity (Inquiries in Social Construction series)

Is reflexivity viable as a legitimate component of constructionist methodologies? If so, how can methodologies be developed to do research and conduct inquiry from a social constructionist standpoint? Interdisciplinary and international, Research and Reflexivity focuses on the nature of knowledge and reflexive knowing. Divided into three sections, the first part is concerned with the theoretical issues in reflexivity and constructionism; the next with reflexivity in the practice of developing constructionist research methodologies; and the last moves from research experiences to emergent theoretical issues tied to reflexivity. This intriguing volume addresses the implications of seeing the research process itself as socially constructing a world or worlds, with the researchers included in--rather than outside--the body of their own research. Researchers "coproduce" the worlds of their research rather than simply "find" these worlds. Furthermore, what that recognition means for the development of social constructionist methodologies is also explored. Upper-division students, scholars, and researchers across a wide range of disciplines--from communication studies to education, from organization studies and family therapy to social psychology--will find Research and Reflexivity essential reading. "The chapters are, without exception, intellectually engaging and draw upon literature and arguments that may not be familiar, but are certainly relevant, to communication researchers. . . . Some chapters . . . provide an excellent overview for those not well acquainted with constructionist research and self-reflexivity. Von Glaserfeld traces the development of the constructionist movement, and provides a spirited defense against the more common, if naive, criticisms of this approach. The chapter by Krippendorff provides the most well-developed attempt at fulfilling Steier's aim for this book. . . . The essays in this book provide strong evidence of the 'Fact that' researchers must be included in their own research. It lays the groundwork . . . for addressing the implications of this recognition for the development of social constructionist methodologies." --Journal of Communication