Rethinking Texts

Abstract

This article outlines how a theory of narrative can be used to deconstruct qualitative research texts. Although research texts are a distinct genre in comparison with works of fiction, the basic components of literary activity are similar. Researchers structure and emphasize data and participants in various ways to tell a logical story. Narrative analysis offers a specific framework and terminology that researchers can use to construct texts. Ultimately, such tools can prepare qualitative researchers to make intentional choices in regard to writing. The authors define the narratological concepts of character, plot, story, and focalization. They discuss how these concepts can be used to teach qualitative research methods.

The challenge to care in a Premier League Football Club

“…The findings and the discussions that follow the vignettes explicate three theoretical themes which are derived from analysis by researchers. Between the narratives and the discussion, researchers acted as both storytellers (the narratives) and story analysers (findings) (Sparkes & Smith, 2014;Holley & Colyar, 2009). Once again, the study embraces a double hermeneutic wherein researchers make sense of a participant who also makes sense of his own experience.…”

Imaging Service-Learning in The Agricultural Education Magazine from 1929 to 2009: Implications for the Method’s Reframing and Use

“…Next, our second reading involved critiquing the social and historical features of power, privilege, and culturally influenced ideology represented by each artifact. To accomplish this, we drew on Holley's and Colyar's (2009) concept of focalization. Focalization calls for researchers to use "the point of view from which the events unfold or the location from which the actors and characters are viewed" (Holley & Colyar, 2009, p. 681).…”

Why might you use narrative methodology? A story about narrative

“…Through the construc tion and recounting of narratives, individuals form and reform who they have been, are presently and hope to become. Further, since narratives offer longterm reference points to replicate, live up to or overcome (Sfard & Prusak, 2005), these stories can continue to influence how the narra tor views him/herself and makes decisions to act (Holley & Colyar, 2009).…”

“…Of course, participant narratives can also be analysed using more traditional approaches such as thematic analysis. • Data reporting: Not all narrative-based studies use researcher con structed narrative accounts to report the results of analysis, but those who do will usually invoke literary elements in constructing low inference accounts that represent participant experience, e.g., plot; characters which help the plot unfold; and the point of view through which the story is told -1st or 3rd person (Holley & Colyar, 2009). Whether or not research ers create narrative cameos or vignettes in reporting their research, many will use other means of reporting that draw on more traditional forms of thematic analysis, e.g., summaries of themes often accompanied by interview excerpts.…”