This is not research and theory in a vacuum. This is not psychology in a laboratory. This is a critical approach to both the subject of psychology and the research enterprise itself - asking questions of ourselves, and reflexively examining our theories and practices to ensure relevance in the world. The research methodologies which are adopted stand in contrast to the hypothetico-deductive or experimental methodologies traditionally used in psychology. As Critical Psychology is inherently reflexive, the implications of adopting a particular epistemological standpoint, and a particular set of methodologies and methods are always at the forefront of the agenda.
Critical psychologists are as critical of their own work as they are of the work of others.
In Critical Psychology there is attention to issues of ethics, power, truth, values and ideology in both research and professional practice. In professional practice, the implications of psychological assessment and intervention are at the forefront of the agenda. The need for psychological services is acknowledged, however the role of the service user in their development and delivery is emphasised more strongly than is often the case. Traditional ways of practising as professional psychologists are not rejected or dismissed, however, critical psychologists are open to the development of innovative methods of working which allow for the incorporation of issues of culture, class, gender, ethnicity and other social, cultural and political issues into the professional agenda. For example, critical psychologists practising in the field of clinical psychology have developed narrative therapy, social constructionist therapy, or feminist therapy, where more established ways of working, such as those practised by systemic or cognitive-behavioural therapists, are incorporated and adapted for critical psychological practice.