Mapping Approaches to Phenomenological and Narrative Data Analysis.

Abstract

In post-modern inquiry, context is of paramount importance. However, portrayal of participants' many-faceted and complex realities presents a particular challenge to the researcher when analyzing and interpreting research interviews. Differences stemming from participants' cultures, traditions, values, and worldviews are critical aspects of their lived experience but are complicated and unique. Long and detailed descriptions are typically used by researchers when presenting their data analyses. One complementary approach to textual descriptions is mapping, which includes a variety of visual representations. Maps are an effective means to portray data phenomena as well as relationships among data elements; they have a number of advantages over using text alone. In this paper, several mapping techniques that can be utilized as part of the analysis of phenomenological and narrative interviews are described and discussed. These include conceptual mapping, thematic depictions, historical timelines, story maps, and possible selves maps. Specific examples from research studies are used to illustrate the mapping processes.