Narrative Analysis

Narrative analysis is a genre of analytic frames whereby researchers interpret stories that are told within the context of research and/or are shared in everyday life. Scholars who conduct this type of analysis make diverse—yet equally substantial and meaningful—interpretations and conclusions by focusing on different elements. These elements include, but are not limited to, how the story is structured, what functions the story serves, what is the substance of the story, and how the story is performed. Communication scholars from a variety of perspectives ranging from quantitative to qualitative as well as traditional to postmodern conduct narrative analyses, which makes it challenging to cover all of its nuances; however, broad strokes are possible. This entry discusses sources of data for narrative analysis and ...