In research, narratives are essentially textual representations of human experience. Narrative research specifically focuses on exploring and conceptualizing these experiences as they are presented in text.
Purpose of Using Narratives in Research
The primary aim when utilizing narratives in research is to gain an in-depth exploration of the meanings people assign to their experiences. Researchers seek to understand the world from the perspective of the individuals telling their stories.
- Understanding subjective meaning
- Exploring lived experiences
- Conceptualizing complex human phenomena
How Narratives Are Studied
To delve deeply into these narratives and the meanings within them, narrative researchers typically employ a specific approach:
- Small Samples: They often work with small numbers of participants.
- Rich Discourse: The goal is to obtain detailed, extensive, and free-ranging accounts from participants.
This method allows for a focused and deep analysis of individual experiences represented in the collected narratives, enabling researchers to conceptualize the human experience as captured in these texts.
