Narrative Analysis
Definition
Narrative analysis is expressed by way of a story, with a plot that retains the
complexity of the situation under exploration, and the emotions and
motivations attached to it. Stories defined as using narrative cognition are
complex accounts with a beginning, middle, and end, as distinct from a simple
listing of a series of events. The plot, or point, of the story functions to enable
researchers to select, from the multitude of data collected, those descriptions
of happenings, events, and actions that relate to each other and are directly
relevant to the story (Polkinghorne, 1995).
Designing of Narrative Analysis
Polkinghorne (1995) provides a useful description of criteria, first
articulated by Dollard in 1935, which constructed narratives should aim
to address. These criteria include:
(a) Descriptions are included of the cultural and social context of the
story.
(b) Information is provided about the subject of the story (the research
participant), for example, their age, developmental stage, and other
information relevant to the aims of the research.
(c) Explanations are included of the relationships between the
participant and other significant people in their life.
Designing of Narrative Analysis
(d) The story concentrates on the goals, choices, interests, plans,
purposes, and actions of the participant, on their meanings, and on
their vision of the world.
(e) Recognition is given to historical experiences and events that have
influenced the participant’s life story.
(f) The story is bound by time; it has a beginning, middle, and end.
(g) The narrative offers a meaningful explanation of the participant’s
experiences and actions, drawing together separate data elements in a
credible and understandable way (Polkinghorne 1995).
Model of Narrative Analysis
1. Thematic
Analysis
Emphasis is on the content of a text, “what” is said
more than “how” it is said, the “told” rather than
the “telling”.
2. Structural
Analysis
Emphasis is on how a story is told, paying close
attention to the language used and how it's
structured.
Model of Narrative Analysis
3. Interactional
Analysis
Emphasis is on the dialogic process between teller
and listener.
Method of Narrative Analysis
Method 1: Recapitulating the Told in the Telling
In this method, the storyteller repeats or summarizes what
happened in the story as they tell it.
Method 2: Reconstructing the Told from the
Telling
The listener reconstructs or pieces together what
happened based on how the story is told.
Method of Narrative Analysis
Method 3: Imposing a Told on the Telling
This method involves the storyteller fitting their
experience into a particular narrative or framework.
Method 4: Making a Telling from the Told
In this method, the listener creates their own
interpretation or retelling of the story based on what they
heard.
Methodological Integrity
Consistency Trustworthiness
Transparency Ethical considerations
Reflexivity Validity and reliability
Conclusion
Narrative analysis serves as a powerful tool in
qualitative research, allowing researchers to delve into
the complex stories and experiences of individuals or
communities. Through the examination of narratives,
researchers can uncover deep insights into how people
construct meaning, make sense of their lives, and
navigate various social and cultural contexts.
References
Kim, J.-H. (2020). Narrative Data Analysis and Interpretation: “Flirting” With
Data. Understanding Narrative Inquiry: The Crafting and Analysis of Stories as
Research, 184–225. [Link]
Riessman, C. K. (2005). Chapter 1: Narrative Analysis. Revista Del Colegio
Americano de Cardiologia, 72(23), 1–7.
Sandberg, S. (2022). Narrative Analysis in Criminology. Journal of Criminal
Justice Education, 33(2), 212–229.
[Link]
References
Barkhuizen, G., Benson, P., & Chik, A. (2013). Narrative inquiry in
language teaching and learning research. Routledge.
Question
Time