Shows how narrative inquiry can be used in educational and social science research. Tracing the origins of narrative inquiry in the social sciences, this book offer practical ideas for conducting fieldwork, composing field notes, and conveying research results. It also includes stories and examples that reveal a range of narrative methods.

In this definitive guide, Jean Clandinin and Michael Connelly draw from more than twenty years of field experience to show how narrative inquiry can be used in educational and social science research. Tracing the origins of narrative inquiry in the social sciences, they offer new and practical ideas for conducting fieldwork, composing field notes, and conveying research results. Throughout the book, stories and examples reveal a wide range of narrative methods. Engaging and easy to read, Narrative Inquiry is a practical resource from experts who have long pioneered the use of narrative in qualitative research.

Praise for Narrative Inquiry

"Their exemplary use of the method in the writing of this text is masterful."
–Journal of Curriculum Studies, 2002

"The literature on narrative inquiry has been, until now, widely scattered and theoretically incomplete. Clandinin and Connelly have created a major tour de force. This book is lucid, fluid, beautifully argued, and rich in examples. Students will find a wealth of arguments to support their research, and teaching faculty will find everything they need to teach narrative inquiry theory and methods."
–Yvonna S. Lincoln, professor, Department of Educational Administration, Texas A&M University

"This book reveals the journey of two scholars who, for the past two decades, have explored the way narrative deepens our understanding of educational experience. Their encounters with seemingly intractable issues provide a model of intellectual courage. Narrative Inquiry invites us to take their journey with them. And it is a journey highly worth sharing."
–Elliot W. Eisner, professor of education and art, Stanford University

"The literature on narrative inquiry has been, until now, widely scattered and theoretically incomplete. Clandinin and Connelly have created a major tour de force. This book is lucid, fluid, beautifully argued, and rich in examples. Students will find a wealth of arguments to support their research, and teaching faculty will find everything they need to teach narrative inquiry theory and methods."
—Yvonna S. Lincoln, professor, Department of Educational Administration, Texas A&M University

Understanding experience as lived and told stories--also known as narrative inquiry--has gained popularity and credence in qualitative research. Unlike more traditional methods, narrative inquiry successfully captures personal and human dimensions that cannot be quantified into dry facts and numerical data.

In this definitive guide, Jean Clandinin and Michael Connelly draw from more than twenty years of field experience to show how narrative inquiry can be used in educational and social science research. Tracing the origins of narrative inquiry in the social sciences, they offer new and practical ideas for conducting fieldwork, composing field notes, and conveying research results. Throughout the book, stories and examples reveal a wide range of narrative methods. Engaging and easy to read, Narrative Inquiry is a practical resource from experts who have long pioneered the use of narrative in qualitative research.