Using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method An Introduction to Critical Event Narrative Analysis in Research, Teaching and Professional Practice

Using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method is the ideal introduction to a growing field of study. A full and accessible guide that covers the theory and practical applications of this qualitative method, it provides researchers with a rich framework through which they can investigate the ways people experience the world depicted through their stories. Looking at how this method can effectively be applied in a range of contexts, it demonstrates the value and utility of employing narrative as a research tool in a range of teaching and learning settings. Connecting with the broader academic debate on the value of narrative as an alternative or addition to quantitative and other qualitative methods and updated to reflect changes in the field, this book explores how to use narrative inquiry and gives tested and applied examples; builds on theory to consider practical applications; explores the narrative cross-boundaries between research and practice; and presents a selection of case studies of research on quality in higher education, internationalisation and quality in cross-cultural contexts. Using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method provides the ideal grounding for all students and researchers looking to learn more about narrative inquiry or use this method within their research.

List of illustrations; Preface; Acknowledgements; 1 Introduction; 2 Narrative in research; 3 Philosophies and theories underpinning narrative; 4 Examples of stories in narrative inquiry; 5 A critical events approach to narrative; 6 Rethinking validity and reliability; 7 Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method and Quality of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education; 8….A critical event narrative inquiry: internationalisation and quality in a comparative higher education context; 9….A framework for narrative research; Bibliography; Index

Patricie Mertova is a consultant in higher education policy, evaluation, development and quality, and a visiting fellow at the Institute for Employment Research at Warwick University, UK. Leonard Webster has over 25 years’ experience in the higher education sector. Most recently, he has held senior higher education academic, teaching and learning, quality and compliance appointments across a range of Australian higher education institutions.