The Research Framework

Abstract

In this chapter, I explore how a different approach to researching only-child experience reveals a more complex and multi-dimensional result. This book takes its starting point from an original in-depth study that has been the basis for continued research over the last five years. To understand this evolving process I will begin by outlining my original research protocol, describe the underlying epistemology and the theoretical concepts that underpin the research analysis. I used a flexible design that included a narrative inquiry, life-story approach with heurism and reflexivity. The philosophical underpinning is social constructionism and I used a voice-centred relational model to give a structure to my research findings. I will describe these briefly and outline the reasons for these choices, which are connected to both my interest as a practicing psychotherapist and the research subject of the adult only-child experience. Finally, I reflect on the stories that emerged from my findings and the themes that arose, these will then be explored more fully in a series of only-child stories which are based on the original longer stories of my research.KeywordsResearch FrameworkQualitative ResearcherFlexible DesignNarrative ApproachRelational OntologyThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.