The Narrative Inquiry Primer: An Introductory Guide to Experiential Research

The Narrative Inquiry Primer is an introductory guide to the philosophical roots, practical strategies, and writing conventions of narrative inquiry. This experiential, qualitative research method challenges technical-rational approaches to educational research by valuing context, experience, and relational engagement. The method utilizes long-term fieldwork and close researcher-participant relationships to explore how stories structure memory, identity, and meaning. It has gained prominence across a range of fields, including education, medicine, law, and many others and is essential for capturing and communicating the richness of human experiences within contexts. This book provides an introduction to narrative inquiry by addressing fundamental questions for conceptualizing, planning, conducting, and writing narrative inquiry studies, as well as offering examples that researchers can use to assist their own decision-making. Easy-to-read and highly practical, The Narrative Inquiry Primer will help you feel confident in adding narrative inquiry to your research repertoire.

Table of Contents:
Preface Chapter 1: What is Narrative Inquiry? Chapter 2: How Does Narrative Inquiry Work? Chapter 3: Doing Narrative Inquiry - In the Field Chapter 4: Doing Narrative Inquiry - Analyzing Data Chapter 5: Participants and Ethics Bibliography Index Chapter 6: Writing a Narrative Inquiry

About the Author :
Jacob Neumann, Ed.D, works as professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he teaches doctoral courses in inquiry and research. His research has been published in journals such as Teachers College Record, Phi Delta Kappan, and Educational Theory. Most recently, he wrote the forthcoming book How Power Works in Schools and Why it Matters for Maximizing Students' Learning, to be released by Rowman & Littlefield in April 2024.

Review :
Dr. Jacob W. Neumann's The Narrative Inquiry Primer: An Introductory Guide to Experiential Research is a well-crafted and accessible guide that brings clarity to each stage of the narrative inquiry process, from philosophical foundations to fieldwork, analysis, and writing. As a counselor educator, I find this book especially valuable for helping students connect human experience with research practice. Dr. Neumann's background in curriculum and instruction shines through in the book's clear organization and pedagogical depth, making it an ideal companion for teaching qualitative methods in counseling and related fields. Jacob Neumann has drafted a lucid and useful primer for teaching narrative inquiry methods. The chapter structure is logical, and the book serves as an excellent template to help new instructors organize courses focused on narrative research.