Understanding Narrative Inquiry: The Crafting and Analysis of Stories as Research

Abstract

1. Locating Narrative Inquiry in the Interdisciplinary Context Scientific Research and Qualitative Research in Tandem Narrative Inquiry Narrative Inquiry in Different Disciplines Some Cautionary Tales About Narrative Inquiry Narrative Inquiry as the Synergy of Interdisciplinarity Learning to be a Storyteller in the Interdisciplinary Context Conclusion: A Falling Apple 2. Philosophical/Theoretical Underpinnings of Narrative Inquiry The Role of Theory Philosophical/Theoretical/Interpretive Paradigm Theory and Narrative Inquiry Critical Theory Critical Race Theory Feminist Theory Phenomenology Poststructuralism/Postmodernism/Deconstruction Dewey's Theory of Experience Bakhtin's Theory of Novelness Conclusion: No Theory Used as a Procrustean Bed 3. Narrative Research Design: Engaging in Aesthetic Play Engaging in Aesthetic Play Standards for Humanities-Oriented Research Learning to Think Narratively Plowing Before Sowing: On Reviewing the Literature Developing Good Research Questions Imagining the Researcher-Participant Relationship: From Spy to Friend Ethical Issues in Narrative Inquiry Qualitative Writing vs. Scientific Writing Imagining Narrative Writing as Aesthetic Play Conclusion: Where Your Heart Belongs 4. Narrative Research Genres: Meditating Stories Into Being Narrative Inquirer as a Midwife Narrative Research Genres Autobiographical Narrative Inquiry Biographical Narrative Inquiry Arts-Based Narrative Inquiry Literary-Based Narrative Inquiry Visual-Based Narrative Inquiry Conclusion: Blurring Genres 5. Narrative Data Collection Methods: Excavating Stories Narrative Thinking Interview Logistics Types of Qualitative Interview Narrative Interviewing Fieldwork Artifacts: Cabinets of Curiosities or Cabinets of Wonder Visual Data Digital Archival Data Conclusion: Excavating Stories as Data 6. Narrative Data Analysis and Interpretation: Flirting With Data On Flirtation Qualitative Data Analysis Theorizing Narrative Data Analysis and Interpretation Methods of Narrative Data Analysis Narrative Analysis in Narrative Genres Conclusion: Variegations of Narrative Analysis and Interpretation 7. Narrative Coda: Theorizing Narrative Meaning On Coda Researching Signature Answering the Question So What? Desiring and Audience Avoiding an Epic Closure Theorizing Findings Planting the Seed for Social Justice Becoming a Scheherazade Conclusion: Ongoing Stories 8. Critical Issues in Narrative Inquiry: Looking Into a Kaleidoscope Looking into a Kaleidoscope Contradicting Stories: The Rashomon Effect Temptation of Backyard Research On Reflexivity On Bricolage and Bricoleur On Small Stories Storytelling as Performance Conclusion: Pushing the Boundary of Narrative Inquiry 9. Examples of Narrative Inquiry: Theory Into Practice Narrative Inquiry as Phenomenon and Method Narrative Inquiry as Oral History Narrative Inquiry as Life Story Narrative Inquiry as Autoethnography Narrative Inquiry as Creative Fiction Narrative Inquiry as Fiction Conclusion: Learning to be a Storyteller 10. Epilogue