NARRATIVE INQUIRY Meaning and
Definition
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Narrative inquiry is a qualitative research method that focuses on the exploration and comprehension of human experiences through the analysis and interpretation of narratives. In this approach, narratives refer to stories, accounts, or descriptions of personal experiences that individuals share about their lives. Narrative inquiry seeks to examine how individuals construct and make sense of their world through storytelling, emphasizing the subjective and interpretive nature of these accounts.
This research method values the unique perspectives and voices of individuals, presenting them as active participants and co-authors of their own narratives. Researchers employing narrative inquiry collect data primarily through interviews or written personal narratives, analyzing the stories within their cultural and contextual frameworks. They often employ techniques such as thematic analysis, coding, and interpretation to identify recurring patterns, themes, and meanings in the narrative data.
Narrative inquiry is not just limited to personal experiences but can also encompass communal, cultural, or societal narratives. These broader narratives can shed light on collective identity, shared values, or social norms. Furthermore, narrative inquiry recognizes the potential for multiple narratives and acknowledges that stories can be contested or contradictory, providing deeper insights into complex human experiences.
Overall, narrative inquiry provides a rich and nuanced exploration of human experiences, illuminating personal and collective meanings, identities, and social realities. It emphasizes the power of stories in shaping individuals' perceptions, understandings, and interactions with the world around them.
Etymology of NARRATIVE INQUIRY
The etymology of the term "narrative inquiry" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components:
1. Narrative: The word "narrative" traces its roots back to the Latin word "narrativus", which means "to tell". In turn, this Latin word is derived from the verb "narrare", meaning "to recount or narrate". The term "narrative" refers to the action or process of telling a story, especially in a coherent and meaningful way.
2. Inquiry: The word "inquiry" comes from the Latin word "inquirere" which means "to seek or to ask". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "in" (meaning "into") and the verb "quaerere" (meaning "to seek"). "Inquiry" refers to an act of seeking information, knowledge, or understanding through questions and investigation.
