Narrative Approach: The Turning Point of Social Science Research

Abstract

In contrast to conventional social science research that claims to be neutral, objective and factual, narrative research focuses on how people give meaning to their live experiences and moves research inquiry towards the idea that all knowledge is socially constructed. Through narrative and storytelling, people organize their experiences into meaningful episodes. The approach encourages a plurality of truths to become known as well as provides a frame for understanding the meanings and normative values behind it. It also acknowledges the tellers whose experiences the researchers are interested in as knowledgeable, capable and reflexive participants rather than being research objects in the research process. Narrative approach has opened up valuable new lines of inquiry and put forward a radical change in social science research.