Narrative ordering and explanation

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Case-based research in social sciences often relies on narrative.
• The structure and function of narrative within case studies require deeper investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of narrative in ordering materials within social science case-based research.
• To analyze how narrative ordering contributes to 'narrative explanation'.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of narrative ordering techniques in case studies.
• Examination of how conceptual or theoretical resources are integrated into narrative.
• Comparative analysis using an analogy to visual representation genres.

Main Results:

• Narrative ordering, particularly through juxtaposition, is linked to puzzle creation and resolution in research.
• Integrating theoretical resources within narrative ordering allows for the explanation of cases.
• Case explanations can achieve broader scope without claiming universal applicability.

Conclusions:

• Narrative ordering is a key mechanism for developing and refining explanations in social science case studies.
• Juxtaposition as a narrative strategy effectively addresses research questions.
• This approach allows for transferable insights from case studies.