Constructing a life history: key decisions in the research process

Abstract

On this paper I present a series of dimensions of the biographical method of research that usually arise in the course of social research processes and in regard to which researchers must be able to take informed decisions. I analyse definitions issues, differences between the method and related areas —such as the narrative method of inquiry and literature— and the relevance of this method for the social sciences. I focus on the “problems” of objectivity and representativity and the dilemma of only presenting or also analysing the information generated. I comment on some criteria to choose “good” informants, production and analysis techniques and the issue of trust in regard to the stories told by informants and also by researchers themselves. My goal is to present —not to close— these issues, so they can be taken into account to take informed decisions during the process of constructing a life history.