Narrative Method X: A Qualitative Tool for Exploring Human Experience
Narrative Method X is an innovative qualitative research tool designed to facilitate the exploration of human experience and understanding of social phenomena. The method is based on a narrative approach to research, which has been used to examine a range of social, psychological, and health-related topics (Bruner, 1990; Ochs & Capps, 1996; Riessman, 1993; Saldaña, 2016). It is particularly useful for exploring the subjective and contextual aspects of lived experience.
Narrative Method X is a structured interview protocol that incorporates both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The interview is designed to elicit stories from study participants, focusing on their experiences, beliefs, and attitudes about a particular phenomenon. The protocol makes use of three distinct phases: (1) introducing the study and eliciting general information; (2) exploring the study topic in greater depth; and (3) probing for more specific details about the study topic. Each phase includes a series of questions, and the researcher can also use probes and follow-up questions as necessary.
The narrative approach has been found to be useful in many areas, including health care (Charmaz, 2006), social relationships (Holstein & Gubrium, 2000), and education (Lapan, Ghere, & Turner, 1997). It has been used to explore a variety of phenomena, such as self-concept (Gilligan, 1993), family dynamics (Franz & Smith, 2002), and coping with illness (Frank, 1995). The narrative approach can provide a rich understanding of how individuals think and feel about a particular phenomenon, and can also provide insight into the context and meaning of their experience.
The narrative approach can be a powerful tool for understanding human experience. It is particularly useful for exploring complex social phenomena, such as how people cope with illness, the meaning of family relationships, and the impact of educational policies. Narrative Method X is a useful tool for researchers who wish to explore these topics in greater depth.
References
Bruner, J. (1990). Acts of meaning. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. London: Sage.
Franz, C. & Smith, M. (2002). Narrative inquiry: Multiple lenses, approaches, and voices. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Frank, A. (1995). The wounded storyteller: Body, illness, and ethics. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Gilligan, C. (1993). In a different voice: Women’s conceptions of self and moral development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Holstein, J. A. & Gubrium, J. F. (2000). The active interview. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lapan, R. T., Ghere, G. G., & Turner, J. C. (1997). Narrative inquiry in practice: Using data, analysis, and interpretation. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Ochs, E. & Capps, L. (1996). Narrating the self. Annual Review of Anthropology, 25, 19-43.
Riessman, C.K. (1993). Narrative analysis. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Saldaña, J. (2016). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.