ISSUES IN THE ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOTIC SPEECH

Debate on the locus of dysfunction in psychotic speech or thought diso rder continues. Research in the area tends to reflect researchers' ass umptions about the relationship between language and thought, and thes e determine the nature of the methodologies used. The circularity of a rgument produced in this way is inevitable, while fully contextualized comprehensive descriptions of interactions with psychotic patients ar e lacking. This article outlines a method of analysis which will yield basic descriptions, and produce data readily comparable to naturally occurring conversation. It includes consideration of context, conversa tion analysis, cohesion analysis, and tone-unit analysis. A crucial fe ature of the method is serious attention paid to the role of the liste ner in the creation of misunderstandings in conversations with psychot ic speakers.