A note on qualitative interview design for narrative analysis

A note on qualitative interview design for narrative analysis [information from poe.com]

My question 1: "I am a Research Methods student; I am interested to learn more how to formulate a qualitative interview design for narrative analysis. Could you give me some advice with reference to an example each for the three disciplines of (1) business management, (2) housing studies, and (3) accounting and finance? Please also indicate how this interview design is different from an interview design for thematic analysis. Tks a lot."

The reply: "Formulating a qualitative interview design for narrative analysis involves creating an environment where participants can share their stories in depth. Narrative analysis focuses on the way stories are told and the meanings behind them, rather than simply the content of the stories. Here’s a guide for each discipline you mentioned, along with a comparison to thematic analysis.

1. Business Management

Interview Design:

• Objective: Explore how organizational culture influences employee motivation.
• Participants: Employees from various levels within an organization.
• Questions:
  • "Can you share a significant experience that reflects the culture of your workplace?"
  • "How did this experience shape your perception of motivation at work?"

Focus: Encourage participants to narrate their experiences, emphasizing the context and emotional aspects of their stories.

2. Housing Studies

Interview Design:

• Objective: Understand the lived experiences of individuals living in affordable housing.
• Participants: Residents of affordable housing developments.
• Questions:
  • "Tell me about your journey to finding affordable housing."
  • "What stories do you associate with your current living situation?"

Focus: Capture the personal narratives that reflect challenges, successes, and feelings related to housing.

3. Accounting and Finance

Interview Design:

• Objective: Investigate how financial decision-making processes are influenced by personal beliefs.
• Participants: Small business owners.
• Questions:
  • "Can you describe a key financial decision you made and the story behind it?"
  • "How do your personal values influence your approach to finance?"

Focus: Encourage detailed storytelling that reveals the interplay between personal beliefs and financial decisions.

Differences from Thematic Analysis

• Narrative Analysis:

  • Focus on Stories: Emphasizes how participants construct their narratives and the meanings they derive from them.
  • Contextual Understanding: Looks at the context, structure, and delivery of the narrative.
  • Data Collection: Often uses open-ended questions that allow for expansive storytelling.

• Thematic Analysis:

  • Focus on Themes: Identifies patterns and themes across data without a deep dive into individual narratives.
  • Analysis of Content: Concentrates more on the content and what it reveals about the phenomenon.
  • Data Collection: Can use more structured questions aimed at specific topics.

Conclusion

When designing interviews for narrative analysis, prioritize open-ended questions that invite rich storytelling and reflection. This approach allows participants to share their experiences in a way that uncovers deeper insights into their motivations and contexts, which is distinct from the more thematic focus of thematic analysis."

My question 2: "Tks. Could you suggest some typical narrative structures to consider for narrative analysis for this type of research interview?"

The reply: "Certainly! When conducting narrative analysis, it's helpful to be aware of typical narrative structures that can shape how stories are told. Here are some common structures to consider:

1. Linear Structure

• Description: Stories are told in a chronological order, following a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Use: Useful for understanding the sequence of events and how experiences unfold over time.
• Example: An employee narrating their career progression within a company.

2. Circular Structure

• Description: The narrative begins and ends in a similar place, often reflecting back on the starting point.
• Use: Highlights how experiences have come full circle, emphasizing change or continuity.
• Example: A resident recounting their journey to affordable housing, ending with reflections on their current situation.

3. Fragmented Structure

• Description: The story is not told in a straightforward sequence and may jump between different times and places.
• Use: Captures complex experiences and emotions, reflecting the chaotic nature of some life events.
• Example: A business owner sharing different financial decisions that impacted their journey, interspersed with personal anecdotes.

4. Thematic Structure

• Description: Narratives organized around central themes rather than chronological order.
• Use: Allows for exploration of key concepts or issues within the story.
• Example: An individual discussing various aspects of their relationship with money through different life events.

5. Hero’s Journey

• Description: Follows a classic narrative arc where the protagonist faces challenges, undergoes transformation, and returns changed.
• Use: Useful for stories of personal growth and overcoming adversity.
• Example: An employee who faces challenges in their role but ultimately succeeds and grows as a leader.

6. Intertextual Structure

• Description: Incorporates references to other texts, stories, or cultural narratives, enriching the personal story.
• Use: Reveals how personal experiences are shaped by broader societal influences.
• Example: A resident reflecting on their housing experience in light of media portrayals of affordable housing.

Conclusion

When analyzing narratives, consider how these structures influence the meaning and interpretation of the stories. Each structure provides a different lens through which to understand participants' experiences and can be critical in revealing insights during your research."

My question 3: "How can I identify which structure best fits a given interview transcript?"

The reply: "Identifying the narrative structure that best fits a given interview transcript involves a systematic approach. Here are steps you can follow to analyze the transcript effectively:

1. Familiarization with the Transcript

• Read Thoroughly: Start by reading the entire transcript to get an overall sense of the story being told.
• Note Initial Impressions: Jot down initial thoughts on themes, emotions, and any noticeable patterns.

2. Identify Key Elements

• Plot Points: Look for important events or turning points in the narrative.
• Characters: Identify the main characters (including the narrator) and their roles.
• Settings: Note any significant settings that impact the narrative.

3. Look for Structural Features

• Chronology: Determine if the events are presented in a chronological order or if they jump around in time.
• Repetitive Elements: Identify any recurring themes or motifs that may indicate a circular or thematic structure.
• Transitions: Pay attention to how the narrator transitions between different parts of the story.

4. Analyze the Flow of the Narrative

• Beginning, Middle, End: Assess whether the transcript has a clear beginning (introduction of characters and context), middle (development of the story), and end (resolution or conclusion).
• Climactic Moments: Identify any climactic moments that suggest a hero’s journey or significant change.

5. Categorize the Narrative Structure

• Match with Structures: Compare the elements and flow of the narrative to the typical structures (linear, circular, fragmented, thematic, hero’s journey, intertextual).
• Consider Intersections: Recognize that a narrative might incorporate multiple structures; for example, it may be primarily linear but also have thematic elements.

6. Contextual Considerations

• Reflect on Purpose: Consider the purpose of the interview and the specific questions asked. This context can provide clues about the narrative structure.
• Cultural Context: Be aware of any cultural narratives that could influence how the story is told.

7. Discuss with Peers or Advisors

• Collaborative Analysis: Engaging with peers or advisors can provide new perspectives and interpretations of the narrative structure.

8. Iterative Process

• Revisit and Revise: Be prepared to revisit your analysis as you gain more insights from the transcript or additional interviews.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can systematically identify the narrative structure that best fits a given interview transcript. This thoughtful approach will enhance your understanding of the participant's story and the meanings conveyed within it."

My question 4: "Can you give examples of transcripts fitting each structure?"

The reply: "Certainly! Below are examples of how a transcript might fit each narrative structure. Each example captures a different style of storytelling and highlights key characteristics of the structure.

1. Linear Structure

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"I started working at XYZ Corp in 2015. At first, I was overwhelmed by the demands. Over the next few years, I learned to manage my time better. In 2018, I was promoted to team leader, which was a turning point for me. Now, I feel confident and enjoy mentoring new employees."

2. Circular Structure

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"I remember my first day in the affordable housing unit. It was daunting, but now I see it as home. Looking back, I realize how far I've come. I have built a community here and feel a strong sense of belonging. It all started with that first day, and now I can't imagine living anywhere else."

3. Fragmented Structure

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"Financial decisions can be chaotic. One moment, I was investing in stocks; the next, I was losing money. Then, I remembered my grandmother’s advice about saving. And just like that, I decided to pivot and focus on long-term investments instead of chasing quick gains."

4. Thematic Structure

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"Money has always been about security for me. When I was a child, my parents struggled financially. This theme of security emerged during my adult life, too. For instance, I often find myself hesitating before making any large purchases. It’s a constant reflection of my upbringing."

5. Hero’s Journey

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"I was just a junior accountant, feeling overwhelmed. Then came the crisis at work—our biggest client was leaving. Faced with this challenge, I took the lead in developing a new strategy. It was tough, but we succeeded. I emerged from that experience not just as a team member, but as a leader."

6. Intertextual Structure

Example:

Transcript Excerpt:

"My journey to find affordable housing reminded me of the documentary I watched about urban living. I often think about the stories of others facing similar challenges. Like in that film, I had to navigate bureaucracy and find resources, feeling both hopeful and frustrated at times."

Conclusion

Each of these examples illustrates how different narrative structures can shape the storytelling process in qualitative interviews. By recognizing these structures in transcripts, you can gain deeper insights into the participants' experiences and the meanings behind their narratives."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.