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Definition and Background
Definition and Background
The following are the key defining features of narrative research and some background information:
Revolves around the stories told by individuals
It can either be a method or a phenomenon of the study
It is about only one or two individuals
Different fields of study have used this approach and found their own way to do it
It is considered a "field in the making" considering the number of books written about it
Types of Narrative Studies
Types of Narrative Studies
There are two main approaches to differentiating types of narrative research.
1. By the analytic strategy used by authors such as:
1. By the analytic strategy used by authors such as:
Analysis of Narratives
Analysis of Narratives
The researchers look for the common theme among the stories.
Narrative Analysis
Narrative Analysis
Researchers collect details about past events and reconstruct them to form a story that has a plot.
2. By giving emphasis to the variety of forms that a narrative can be. Some of these are:
2. By giving emphasis to the variety of forms that a narrative can be. Some of these are:
Biographical study
Biographical study
Writing about someone else's life
Autobiography
Autobiography
Written by the individual themself
Life History
Life History
The entire life story of an individual
Personal Experience Story
Personal Experience Story
About an individual's experience during certain events
Oral History
Oral History
About an individual's personal reflection, along with the cause and effects of certain events
It must be noted that narratives can have a specific contextual focus. It can also have a theoretical lens or perspective.
It must be noted that narratives can have a specific contextual focus. It can also have a theoretical lens or perspective.
Procedures for Conducting Narrative Research
Procedures for Conducting Narrative Research
Determine if this is the best approach for your research. Narrative research is best used for studying an individual or a small group's story.
Gather stories, or "field texts," through different means, from one to two people who are relevant to your study. An example would be asking them to write a journal regarding their experience or hearing anecdotes from family members.
Know the context of each story.
Reorganize all the information you have collected into a framework, which consists of gathering stories, analyzing them, and arranging them in chronological order. Researchers might also look for the theme. Along with that, they also have the option to deconstruct the stories to search for dichotomies, silences, disruptions, and contractions that matters to the study.
Form a collaborative relationship with the participants since the inputs of both parties matter in this type of research. Epiphanies, reflections, validation of stories, and negotiation of meanings can occur in this relationship.
CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES
The researcher has to collect extensive information about the participant.
The researcher needs to fully understand the context of the participant's stories. It is important to uncover the "figure under the carpet" that explains the multilayered context of an individual's life.
The researcher and participant must be willing to collaborate and communicate with one another.
Multiple issues may arise in the collecting, analyzing, and telling of individual stories. Some important questions to consider: Who owns the story? Who can tell it? Who can change it? Whose version is convincing? What happens when the narratives compete? As a community, what can stories do among us?
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