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Using Narrative in Social Research
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Using Narrative in Social Research
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

First Edition


July 2005 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
"An elegantly written, scholarly and accessible text. Jane Elliott shows a sophisticated appreciation of contemporary methodological developments, and makes a persuasive case for the use of narrative approaches in both qualitative and quantitative research. The book challenges and advances debates about combining methods, and shows how stories can work within and across conventional research boundaries. It is a truly original contribution to the literature."
-- Amanda Coffey Cardiff School of Social Sciences

This is a lucid and accessible introduction to narrative methods in social research. It is also an important book about the nature, role and theoretical basis of research methodology in general. Jane Elliott instructs the reader on the basic methods and methodological assumptions that form the basis of narrative methods. She does so in a way that is practical and accessible and in a way that will make the book a favourite with students and experienced researchers alike. Elliott argues that both qualitative and quantitative methods are characterized by a concern with narrative, and that our research data can best be analyzed if it is seen in narrative terms. In concrete, step-by-step terms she details for the reader how to go about collecting data and how to subject that data to narrative analysis, while at the same time placing this process in its wider theoretical context. She works across the traditional quantitative/qualitative divide to set out the ways in which narrative researchers can uncover such issues as social change, causality and social identity. She also shows how the techniques and skills used by qualitative researchers can be deployed when doing quantitative research and, similarly, how qualitative researchers can sometimes profit from using quantitative skills and techniques.

 
Narrative and Research in the Social Sciences
 
Listening to People's Stories
The Use of Narrative in Qualitative Interviews

 
 
Interpreting People's Stories
Narrative Approaches to the Analysis of Qualitative Data

 
 
Collecting Quantitative Narratives - A Contradiction in Terms?
 
Statistical Stories? The Use of Narrative in Quantitative Analysis
 
Uncovering and Understanding Causal Effects and Processes
 
Narrative and Identity
Constructions of the Subject in Qualitative and Quantitative Research

 
 
The Ethical and Political Implications of Using Narrative in Research
 
The Researcher as Narrator
Reflexivity in Qualitative and Quantitative Research

 
 
Telling Better Stories? Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Essential reading for those interested in undretaking research utilising the narrative approach. Very easy to read

Ms Lesley Andrews
Department of Nursing and Midwifery (Western Isles, Stirling University
September 27, 2012

This book covers narrative analysis in detail, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Although the depth is beyond that necessary for typical PGCE mini research enquiries, it does offer some useful insights for those who may consider using narrative as part of such a mini research project.

Mr David Leask
Education , University of Manchester
February 22, 2012

This will be highly recommended for the Evaluation and Research Methods sessions which inform students' dissertations. It fits well with the research interests of staff in the Centre.

Ms Alison Fielding
Department of Professional Development, Canterbury Christ Church University
December 19, 2011

Narrative research is becoming an important approach for social education students seeking to link participants' narratives within a social context. This book provides valuable supplementary reading and is particularly useful in helping students interpret narratives and connecting these with identity.

Thoby Miller
Sociology , University
October 13, 2011

very well structured and easy to read in simplistic language

Mrs Angela Cobbold
operating department practice, Anglia Ruskin University
September 28, 2011

As narrative is a growing methodology for nurses this is a good introduction.

Ms Zoe Cowie
Nursing , Bournemouth University
September 25, 2011

ideal text for the novice through to the expert. excellent inclusion of how narratives can be used from a quantitative perspective and also how it is combined with qualitative research as well. also enjoyed reading the ethical, political and reflexivity issues. overall, a one stop shop to suit all researcher needs

Mrs Karen Wild
Nursing , Keele University
September 8, 2011

This book cleraly explains a narrative approach to research and gives a good overview of how to adopt this approach. Elliott writes it in an easy to read manner giving lots of examples on the way.

Mrs Kathryn Nethercott
Applied Social Studies, Bedfordshire University
April 29, 2011

An excellent book for those student seeking a more indepth understanding of narratives in social research.

Mrs Jacqui Sawkins
Faculty of Humanities & Health, University Campus Suffolk
February 2, 2010
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Sample Materials & Chapters

PDF file of Chapter 2

PDF file of Chapter 1


This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.