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Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences
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Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences

First Edition


February 2008 | 264 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
'Riessman updates, expands, and to some degree reconceptualizes her 1993 SAGE book, Narrative Analysis, which has probably been the most cited methodological source for narrative reserach. The new version deserves even greater success than its predecessor....The greatest virtue of Riessman's book, for my taste, is her refusal to reduce method to procedure' - Canadian Journal of Sociology

Catherine Kohler Riessman provides a lively overview of qualitative research based on interpreting stories. Designed to improve research practice, it provides detailed discussions of four analytic methods: thematic analysis, structural analysis, dialogic/performance analysis, and visual narrative analysis.

Broad in scope, Narrative Methods for the Human Sciences offers concrete guidance for students and established scholars wanting to join the "narrative turn" in social research.

Key Features

" Offers guidance for interviewing and transcription: The author discusses the move from spoken language to written transcript. In the process, she encourages students to be mindful of the texts they construct from dialogues in an interview study.

" Includes visual approaches to data gathering: Riessman takes narrative research beyond its historic reliance on word-based materials. She discusses exemplary research that integrates images-both those made during the research process and others found in archives.

" Presents arguments about validation in case-based research: The book presents several ways to think about credibility in narrative studies, contextualizing validity in relation to epistemology and theoretical orientation of a study.

Intended Audience

This text is designed as a supplement to qualitative research courses taught in graduate departments across the social and behavioral sciences, and as a core book in narrative research courses. It is also useful for academics wanting to learn more about narrative methods.

 
Looking Back, Looking Forward
 
Constructing Narratives for Research
 
Thematic Analysis
 
Structural Analysis
 
Dialogic Performance Analysis
 
Visual Analysis
 
Truths and Cautions

Excellent resource for this developing edition to qualitative methods.

Ms Jane Harris
Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Universtity of Chester
March 20, 2014

This book is essential reading for anyone doing narrative research at MA and EdD level. I liked the chapters which explores separately the different approaches to analyse the narratives.

Ms Eva Mikuska
Deapartment of Childcare, Social Work and Social Care, University of Chichester
February 25, 2014

This is a wonderful book; however, it was not quite what we needed.

Mrs Karen Cunningham
Theatre Communication Dept, San Antonio College
December 9, 2013

Provides a solid overview - could be focused more on politics/IR for my course but it will be on my reading list.

Dr Michael Barr
School of Geography Politics Sociology, Newcastle University
December 6, 2013

An excellent text for those both new to and more experienced in narrative research methods. Clear explanation of techniques and excellent summaries which distinguish, in some detail, the distinctions between narrative and other qualitative approaches.

Dr Michael Hartill
Sport & Physical Activity, Edge Hill University
November 21, 2013

For the students in my PhD-level qualitative research courses who choose to do narrative studies, this text is a favorite for its conceptual clarity and practical suggestions.

Dr Judith Harris
School Of Education, College of William & Mary
October 29, 2013

Very well written book and I came away understanding a lot more clearly what narrative research was about!

Ms Lynne Marsh
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork (NUI)
July 24, 2013

A sound text to illustrate the value of this approach to research

Mrs Gillian Bishop
Department of Management & Marketing, Huddersfield University
July 1, 2013

Reissman is a seminal text for anyone wanting to know more about narrative research. She gives insight into different methods of collecting and analysing data using her own and others experiences. There are plenty of references for further reading

Jan Stosiek
School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University
April 11, 2013

A good, well written and digestible overview of a range of narrative approaches - the perfect first port-of-call for students interested in exploring this approach.

Mr Simon Bishop
Science, Technologyand Health, University Campus Suffolk
March 13, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3


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Paperback
ISBN: 9780761929987
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ISBN: 9780761929970
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