ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces discursive psychology (DP), which together with membership categorization analysis (MCA) and conversation analysis (CA) represents a powerful cluster of theoretical and methodological affordances to the study of talk and text. DP researchers and those working in CA and MCA frequently encounter similar tensions and critiques. These include questions concerning the analysis of cognition, issues of intentionality and meaning, the demonstrability of research claims, and compatibility with openly ideological or critical research. Through a discussion of the foundational literature and recent developments, the chapter offers guidance on using DP, along with MCA and CA, and how it contributes to the “applied” and interventionist aims of the field.
