Reflexive Narrative: Self-Inquiry Toward Self-Realization and Its Performance

by Christopher Johns

Reflexive Self-Inquiry Toward Self-Realization and Its Performance is latest addition to the Qualitative Research Methods series. Author Christopher Johns describes this unique method and its developmental approach to research to enable researchers’ self-realization however that might be expressed. This method focuses on systematizing the reflective process and providing structure while still remaining flexible to the needs of individual researchers and projects. Researchers collect data through reflections on everyday experiences and then selectively use the evidence of researcher’s insights. The text starts out with a brief introduction to narrative research and reflexivity, situating the method within the larger context of organizational practices. The next chapters introduce the steps for reflexive narrative research and walk readers through the movements of the reflexive narrative process, writing, reflection, dialogue, guidance, weaving, and audiencing. Additional coverage of ethics and research examples provide a foundation for application of the method to individual research. A chapter on structuring the method for a doctoral thesis furthers the applied nature of this method. Three extracts from studies provide research examples across several social science disciplines, including nursing and education. For students and researchers alike looking for new approaches to reflexive methods and looking to expand their ideas about self-research in a qualitative context, Reflexive Narrative provides a starting place for their own examination of self in the context of research.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2020

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit difficult to pin down as a research approach

Self-inquiry is a central aspect of qualitative research with yhe potential for profound insights by the researcher. However, I struggle with the self-reflective research as end product concept. I can see this approach coexisting with other qualitative research methods to provide for richer outcomes. I could not get to the point of identify a purpose or thesis statement for self-reflection as stand-alone. The six dialogue movements was a helpful framework for challenging myself to go deeper within my reflection as I explore leadership in my doctoral program.