Life history methodology: "narradigm" regained

Abstract

Biographies, life histories and other modes of narrative research enjoy increasing popularity as an alternate research genre. However, its status as a legitimate research methodology continues to be challenged by the positivist/empiricist tradition with its artificial dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. This paper critically explores some of the joys and perils of narrative research and its value for educational research in general. In proposing biographical research as a counterculture to traditional methods, this paper examines the potential of biographies in understanding the lives of educators.