Research Methods: Narrative Inquiry

Narrative inquiry is a unique approach to qualitative, interpretive research that draws on diverse interpretive theoretical traditions. It directs attention to narratives as a way to study an aspect of society, and concerns itself with finding meaning in stories people use, tell, and even live. It is distinguished from other interpretive approaches by its focus on narratives and stories as told, implicitly or explicitly, by individuals or groups of people. This entry starts with an overview of narrative inquiry, locating it in a constructionist epistemology and an interpretive theoretical perspective, and discussing features that make narrative inquiry a unique interpretive approach. Then, it provides a description of three forms of narrative inquiry with examples from public administration research.