ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors outline the features and aspects of a critical event narrative inquiry method that they argue is applicable to investigating a wide range complex and human-centred issues within a wide range of disciplinary contexts. The criteria of narrative research include verisimilitude, apparency and transferability of the research. In establishing the integrity of the methodology of narrative inquiry, the benefits of narrative cannot be viewed without due consideration of the risks involved. Intersubjectivity and smoothing are two important constraints and potential abuses of the narrative inquiry method, according to Connelly and Clandinin. The framework may ‘come to life’ by looking at how it fits a real-life example of narrative inquiry research. The chapter presents the framework in a top-down manner. When beginning a research project, most time is spent at the level of detailed information gathering. Establishing the validity and reliability of the research is a necessary part of any research report.
