What are some key characteristics of narrative inquiry?
A2.There are many forms of narrative inquiry (see Chase, 2005), and students are sometimes bewildered as to how to recognize it. Below, I propose some (arguably) common characteristics of narrative inquiry that may be a useful starting point for discussion. • Flexibility. Narrative inquiry–like the life experience that it investigates–is a complex and ever-changing. Moreover, narrative researchers often emphasize finding direction for their research in their participants stories. As a result, these researchers may find that their research questions and purposes change as the inquiry progresses (cf. Clandinin & Connelly, 2000, pp. 57, 60, 97, 125-126, 138, 145-146). • Experiences of an individual. Narrative inquiry often focuses on the experiences of one or a few participants rather than those of a larger group. One of its goals is to give voice to those whose stories have been previously unheard in educational research (Creswell, 2008; cf. Chase, 2005). • Life stories. Like much of q
