Known in Part: The Transformational Power of Narrative Inquiry

Abstract

This article explores the unique possibilities offered by narrative research for fostering continued communication between the researcher/self and diverse others. The first part of the article provides an overview of narrative research as a mode of inquiry and addresses representational and interpretive dilemmas arising in life history research with Shou Cher, a refugee from Laos. The second part of the article presents a series of narrative dialogues between Shou Cher and the researcher. These dialogues take the form of juxtaposed stories and interpretations, transcribed conversations, and reflections on the place of the poetic voice in qualitative research. The final part of this article contains some suggestions for others who may wish to explore the use of life history and narrative in their own journeys between the academy and the community, between the Self and the Other.In Keepmg Slug Woman Alive, Greg Sarris (1993) reflects on the difficulties he experiences and the insights he gains from doing the life history of Mabel McKay, a Pomo medicine woman whom he has known since childhood. He concludes that such work is best envisioned as a dialogue of discovery of the Self and the Other.

Perspectives of Foster-Care Providers, Service Providers, and Judges Regarding Privatized Foster-Care Services

“…The thick description that qualitative methods generate often captures details through multiple voices and perspectives (Banyard & Miller, 1998). Finally, narratives frequently bring the voices of those who have been silenced, including children, to the attention of policymakers (Hones, 1998).…”

Narcolepsy and Disruption to Social Functioning

“…However, the study drew on other theoretical constructs such as a naturalistic theme of inquiry (Gubrium & Holstein, 1997) and an interpretive research approach (Hones, 1998). Perceptions of the impact of living with narcolepsy were studied in a nonmanipulative and non-controlling method with no preconceived constraints on what the outcomes of the research should be.…”

Telos, Chronos, and Hermēneia: The Role of Metanarrative in Leadership Effectiveness through the Production of Meaning

“…Bruner (1990) noted that negotiating and renegotiating meanings by the mediation of narrative interpretation is one of the crowning achievements of human development in the ontogenetic, cultural, and phylogenic senses of that expression (p. 67). Hones (1998) explored the unique possibilities offered by narrative research for fostering "continued communication" between the self and others while Polkinghorne (1995) argued that the narrative is "the linguistic form uniquely suited for displaying human existence as situated action" (p. 5).…”