The dilemma that social constructionists face when we think that traditional researchers are “doing the real work” is addressed. Looking at research through the metaphor of “conversation” is the basis for her description of how research is socially constructed. Using ADHD as an example, she demonstrates the multiple descriptions that those who are involved embrace as the stories about ADHD. Who do we interview? Who do we observe? Who do we choose not to interview? Issues of validity and reliability are discussed as she describes the different kinds of conversation that are traditional and social constructionist research.

Running Time: 33 minutes

Sheila McNamee, Ph.D., is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of New Hampshire. She is also a founding member of the Taos Institute and an editor of Therapy as Social Construction, and co-author of Relational Responsibility: Resources for Sustainable Dialogue. The author of numerous chapters and journal articles on Social Construction, Theory and Practice, and consults internationally.