How To Conduct Narrative Research

Narrative research is a type of research method that focuses on understanding how people make sense of their experiences through stories. It is an approach that is used to gain insight into different individual’s experiences and to reveal their perspectives on different topics. It is also used to uncover trends and to gain insight into what people think, feel, and do.

Steps for Conducting Narrative Research

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first step in conducting narrative research is to choose a topic. This could be anything from understanding how people experience a certain event to uncovering the stories and perspectives of a certain group of people. It is important to choose a topic that is meaningful and relevant.

Step 2: Develop a Research Plan

Once a topic has been chosen, the next step is to develop a research plan. This should include the goals of the research, the methodology, and the timeline. It is also important to decide how data will be collected and analyzed.

Step 3: Collect Data

The next step is to collect data. This can be done in a variety of ways such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observations. It is important to ensure that the data is collected in a systematic and ethical way.

Step 4: Analyze Data

Once the data has been collected, it is important to analyze the data. This can be done in a variety of ways such as coding and thematic analysis. It is important to ensure that the analysis is systematic and comprehensive.

Step 5: Write up Results

The final step is to write up the results of the research. This should include a description of the findings, a discussion of the implications, and a conclusion.

Tips for Conducting Narrative Research

1. Use a Variety of Data Collection Methods

In order to get a comprehensive understanding of the topic, it is important to use a variety of data collection methods. This could include interviews, focus groups, surveys, and observations.

2. Allow Time for Reflection

When conducting narrative research, it is important to allow time for reflection. This will allow the researcher to think critically about the data and gain insights into the stories that are being told.

3. Be Sensitive to the Context

When conducting narrative research, it is important to be sensitive to the context. This means understanding the different perspectives of the participants and taking into account any cultural norms or values that may be relevant.

4. Pay Attention to Narrative Structure

When analyzing the data, it is important to pay attention to the narrative structure. This means looking at the story arc, the characters, and the themes that are present in the stories.

Conclusion

Conducting narrative research can be a powerful way to gain insights into people’s experiences and perspectives. It is important to choose a meaningful topic, develop a research plan, collect data, analyze the data, and write up the results. Additionally, it is important to use a variety of data collection methods, allow time for reflection, be sensitive to the context, and pay attention to narrative structure when conducting narrative research.

References

• Bryman, A. (2012). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Lambert, T. (2019). How to conduct qualitative narrative research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336599283_How_to_Conduct_Qualitative_Narrative_Research
• Giles, D. (2017). Writing narrative research reports. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317768337_Writing_Narrative_Research_Reports