ABSTRACT
Within social science research, identifying as a particular type of researcher carries with it certain assumptions about an individual’s personality type and approach to knowledge – epistemology. Speech is a crucial aspect of communication and interaction; what is of particular interest in the Sociology of Stammering is how those who stammer navigate a speech scenario in an attempt to pass as fluent. Acton and Hird comment on the resulting anxiety and stress a stammerer experiences when faced with an external speech situation, exacerbated by additional stress stemming from the context of the speech situation. For an overview of the broader life history research approach, Erben and Atkinson provide useful insights; however, this chapter is concerned with biographical research and, in particular, the specific mechanics of the biographical narrative interview method, most notably attributed to Schutze and Rosenthal. This chapter outlines an oft-overlooked disability both within the academy and the broader public life.
