Narrative Portraits in Qualitative Research

Narrative Portraits in Qualitative Research provides an analytical approach to qualitative data by contextualizing research findings in broader social narratives while maintaining the unique personal qualities of the research encounter. It proposes four approaches to narrative portraiture: systematic narrative analysis, phronesis, imagined portraits, and performative portraits. This book will help qualitative researchers create first-person narratives that provide a deep, concise, and evocative glimpse into the participants' lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Narrative Portraits in Qualitative Research is a groundbreaking approach to qualitative data analysis that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of human experiences. By drawing upon the analogy of portrait-making, the book provides a framework for contextualizing research findings within broader social narratives while simultaneously preserving the unique personal qualities of the research encounter. Through narrative portraiture, researchers are invited to delve into the depths of a person's narrated and embodied experience, gaining a profound insight into their circumstances, life story, and the broader social context in which they exist.

The book proposes four distinct approaches to narrative portraiture, each offering a unique perspective on capturing the essence of a person's experience. The first approach involves a systematic approach to narrative analysis, which involves carefully examining the narratives of participants to identify patterns, themes, and meanings. The second approach harnesses the power of phronesis, a philosophical concept that emphasizes the intuitive and embodied nature of knowledge acquisition. The third approach explores the concept of 'imagined portraits,' which involves collaboration between visual artists and social scientists to create visually compelling and socially relevant representations of individuals. The fourth approach emphasizes the use of 'performative portraits,' both as an analytic tool and as a product for research communication.

By employing these approaches, qualitative researchers can create first-person narratives that are deeply informative, concise, and evocative. These narratives provide a glimpse into the lives of participants in a way that is simultaneously profound, nuanced, and accessible. Narrative Portraits in Qualitative Research is an invaluable resource for those interested in narrative methods and qualitative research in health care, education, and the social sciences. It offers a comprehensive and practical guide to capturing the rich tapestry of human experiences and advancing our understanding of the world.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367855871