Exploring the Relational Commitments of Negotiating Narrative Accounts in Narrative Inquiry

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Research Methods
• Social Sciences
• Humanities

Background:

• Negotiating interim texts is common in qualitative research (e.g., member checking).
• There is limited discussion on the philosophical basis of negotiating texts with participants.
• This practice spans various methodologies and paradigms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the methodological commitments of co-composing and negotiating narrative accounts in narrative inquiry.
• To explore the philosophical underpinnings of negotiating interim texts with participants.
• To elucidate the relational commitments inherent in narrative inquiry.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on authors' experiences in negotiating narrative accounts across multiple projects.
• Conceptual analysis of methodological practices in narrative inquiry.
• Exploration of philosophical underpinnings related to participant interaction.

Main Results:

• Negotiating narrative accounts involves significant relational commitments.
• This process moves toward mutuality, co-composition, and friendship.
• It fosters ongoing attentiveness to ordinary lived experience.

Conclusions:

• Co-composing and negotiating narrative accounts are central to narrative inquiry.
• Understanding the philosophical and relational aspects enhances research practice.
• This approach deepens the connection between researcher and participant.