Using Biographical Methods in Social Research

by Barbara Merrill

• ISBN13: 9781412929585
• ISBN10: 141292958X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-04
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Summary

Using Biographical Methods in Social Research provides an informative, comprehensive, accessible and practical guide to the nature and use of biographical methods, combining a consideration of theoretical issues with practical guidance. Barbara Merrill and Linden West consider important questions about what research is for, what makes it valid, to the practical business of interviewing, analyzing and writing up of biographical data. The authors draw on their sociological and psychological orientations to provide a truly interdisciplinary approach to the subject, and provide numerous examples of biographical research across the social sciences.

Author Biography

Barbara Merrill and Linden West consider important questions about who and what research is for and what makes it valid, alongside the practical business of interviewing, transcribing, analyzing and writing up of biographical data. The authors draw on their sociological and psychological orientations to provide a truly interdisciplinary approach to the subject, and provide numerous examples of biographical research across the social sciences. Barbara Merrill, University of Warwick Linden West, Canterbury Christ Church University

Table of Contents

Introduction: Setting the Scene

Biographical Methods: an Introductory History

Mapping the Contemporary Uses of Biographical Research

Identifying Some Theoretical Issues

Illustrating Good Practice: Case Studies

Getting Started in Research

Interviewing and Recording Experience

Making Sense of Biography: Analysis

Representing the Stories: Writing Up

Is Biographical Research Valid and Ethical?

On Being a Biographical Researcher

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