Narrative Inquiry Primer, The: An Introductory Guide to Experiential Research

The Narrative Inquiry Primer is an introductory guide to the philosophical roots, practical strategies, and writing conventions of narrative inquiry. This experiential, qualitative research method challenges technical-rational approaches to educational research by valuing context, experience, and relational engagement. The method utilizes long-term fieldwork and close researcher-participant relationships to explore how stories structure memory, identity, and meaning. It has gained prominence across a range of fields, including education, medicine, law, and many others and is essential for capturing and communicating the richness of human experiences within contexts. This book provides an introduction to narrative inquiry by addressing fundamental questions for conceptualizing, planning, conducting, and writing narrative inquiry studies, as well as offering examples that researchers can use to assist their own decision-making. Easy-to-read and highly practical, The Narrative Inquiry Primer will help you feel confident in adding narrative inquiry to your research repertoire.

Jacob Neumann, Ed.D, works as professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he teaches doctoral courses in inquiry and research. His research has been published in journals such as Teachers College Record, Phi Delta Kappan, and Educational Theory. Most recently, he wrote the forthcoming book How Power Works in Schools and Why it Matters for Maximizing Students' Learning, to be released by Rowman & Littlefield in April 2024.