A Researcher’s Evolution: Moving From Numbers to Narrative

Abstract

This case study details the evolution of the author from a traditional quantitative methodological framework in psychology to qualitative research involving personal narratives. Through her work in sexuality studies, and specifically, self-identified bisexual women, it became apparent that the quantitative methods initially used in some of her inquiries were both inadequate and potentially questionable in their appropriateness to the issue of identity development. Though somewhat unusual in academic training, deciding to radically shift methodologies was the choice this researcher made to reconcile ethical challenges in research methodology with the focus of personal identity in her dissertation. Issues discussed relate to the value and importance of personal narrative as a valid and rich mode of data collection and analysis, particularly for topics that examine discourse relating to power and privilege. The importance of awareness of positionality of the researcher is also examined as it relates to research methodology.

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