Using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method

by Leonard Webster, Patricie Mertova

This book provides a much needed up-to-date introduction to the topic of narrative inquiry – which has seen a growing interest in recent years. Narrative inquiry provides researchers with a framework through which they can investigate the ways humans experience the world depicted through their stories. The book looks at how this method can effectively be applied as a means of research in a range of contexts, including flexible, open and distance or workplace learning. It demonstrates the value and utility of employing narrative as a research tool in a range of teaching and learning settings and includes chapters on background, methodology and case studies to illustrate the application of narrative inquiry as a research method.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

152 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2007

Reviews

[Veronika Valkovicova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This monograph is a brief yet very useful introduction into the method of narrative inquiry. It outlines the philosophical roots of the tool, its potentials and limits, as well as it includes 9 case studies which present research conducted with this type of inquiry. One of the chapters is also solely devoted to the issues of validity and reliability. Definitely a must-read for anyone who wants to read about the basics and make up their mind whether this is the right method for their research.