Once upon a time ... narratives and research

Research incorporating the use of narratives is not new, yet it has been subject to a revival, as if new, in more recent times. Whilst the many disciplines that use narratives may emphasise different foci, there is agreement with the fundamental premise that people convey the meanings of their everyday life though the use of narratives. The purpose of this paper is to explore what narratives are and how they are used in research by reviewing the current literature and weaving the story of my learning journey through the paper.