Narrative research encompasses a variety of methodologies and applications across different fields, offering unique insights into personal and social phenomena through storytelling.

Key Insights

• Interdisciplinary Applications:

  • Narrative research is utilized in diverse disciplines such as cultural and literary studies, health, politics, and sexualities, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding complex social issues
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  • It bridges gaps between different fields, enhancing the applicability of research to policy and practice
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• Methodological Diversity:

  • Approaches range from thematic analysis of 'big stories' to sociolinguistic discourse analysis of 'small stories', and innovative methods like visual and performance data analysis
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  • Narrative research can be applied to various topics, including health, well-being, and mental health in refugees and asylum seekers, illustrating its versatility
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• Epistemological Positions:

  • Narrative research can be grounded in either a realistic or relativist epistemological stance, each offering different insights and applications
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  • The realistic position is more conventional, while the relativist position is newer and distinctive to narrative research
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• Practical Examples:

  • Case studies in narrative research include examining early career researcher experiences, diet and nutrition, and the use of narrative in economic contexts
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  • Innovative techniques such as critical resistance analysis and cinematic visualizations are also explored, demonstrating the methodological creativity in narrative research
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Conclusion

Narrative research offers a rich, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human experiences and social phenomena. Its methodological diversity and adaptability to various epistemological stances and practical applications make it a valuable tool in both academic and applied research contexts.