Narrative Interviews: The Big Stories

Abstract

The narrative interview was originally designed as a qualitative method for social research. For those who wish to learn more about an organization’s stories, it is often the ideal starting point. In contrast to “regular” interviews, narrative interviews do not ask any questions about facts or the interviewees’ opinions. Instead, they seek to encourage them to tell their personal stories. Thus, the interviewer becomes a listener. Their encouragement usually takes the shape of biographical or episodic impulses. The goal of narrative interviews is to uncover the interviewees’ experiences and memories.