Conducting Narrative Research
There are seven commonly used steps during a narrative study. Even though listed in sequential order, they are only a suggestion for researchers to follow.
Step 1: Identify a problem or phenomenon to exploreIdentifying an issue or concern provides the purpose for a study and enables the researcher to understand personal or social
experiences of an individual(s) Step 2: Select one or more participants to studyMany narrative studies examine only one individual but several individuals may be studied as well. Select an individual(s) who can provide an understanding of the issue. Carefully select this person(s) based on their experiences.
Step 3: Collect the story from that participantBesides the participant verbally sharing their story through conversations or interviews, field texts also provide information about the participant. Examples include: journal or diary entries, letters sent by the individual, photographs, memory boxes, and stories acquired through friends or family members.
|
Step 4: Restory or retell the individual’s story
This step involves examining the raw data, identifying key elements, organizing and sequencing these elements, and then retelling a story that describes the individual’s experiences. Restorying helps the reader to understand the story by sequencing it in a logical order. Stories commonly include the following elements: setting, characters, problems, actions, and resolution.
Step 5: Collaborate with the participant/storyteller
THROUGHOUT the narrative story collection process the researcher works with the storyteller to ensure the participant’s experiences are accurately portrayed.
Step 6: Write a story about the participant’s experiences
Usually the BIGGEST step in narrative research, the participant’s life experiences are written into a story by the researcher. Highlighting specific themes that emerged throughout the story and involving a section about the importance of narrative research can be helpful to readers.
Step 7: Validate the report’s accuracy
An accurate report is essential to preserving the story. Conferring with individuals and searching for disconfirming evidence will protect the story’s credibility.