Reflexivity in psychology : practices and performances : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis is an inquiry into practices of reflexivity in psychology. It starts from a recognition of the difficulties in defining such a concept and proceeds to examine ways by which psychologists conceive and construct reflexivity. It utilises a methodology by which reflexivity can be understood and subsequent analysis reveals coarticulating discourses acting to produce reflexivity. Such discourses are themselves construed as a 'new resource', and consequently are used for critical analysis in order to reveal reflexivity 'at work'. This thesis maintains a concern with its own status as thesis, psychological text, work, with reflexive performance acknowledged through different forms of textual expression. It attempts reflexive engagement within the topic rather than production as a treatise about reflexivity alone.