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Reflective topical autobiography: an under utilised interpretive research method in nursing.
1Department of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences and Nursing, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia. megan@rmit.edu.au
Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia)
|July 13, 1999
Summary
Reflective topical autobiography, an autobiographical research method, offers a valuable approach for nursing inquiry. This method enhances understanding of subjective experiences, meaning-making, and diverse interpretations within nursing research and education.
Area of Science:
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Nursing Research
- Sociology of Emotions
Background:
- Reflective topical autobiography is an established method in humanistic and literary disciplines.
- This autobiographical method is underutilized in nursing research despite its potential.
- The postpositivist interpretive research paradigm frames this methodology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for reflective topical autobiography as a significant research method in nursing.
- To demonstrate the method's utility in advancing nursing knowledge and inquiry.
- To explore its application in understanding subjectivity, meaning, and lived experiences.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes reflective topical autobiography, a testimonial research genre.
- Employs an interpretive research paradigm.
- Focuses on making subjective experiences visible and intelligible.
Main Results:
- Highlights the method's capacity to increase understanding of subjectivity.
- Supports the search for meaning and commonalities in human experience.
- Challenges detached observation, promoting multiple interpretations of lived experiences.
Conclusions:
- Reflective topical autobiography is a coherent and valuable research method for nursing.
- It offers a substantive contribution to nursing inquiry, particularly in emotional and subjective domains.
- The method is suitable for nursing education and research contexts.