Critical Approach to Biographical Research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18778/2450-4491.04.02Keywords:
biographical method, abduction, analysis, students’ typologyAbstract
In social sciences and humanities, a variety of approaches to biographical research are used. The question then arises what is appropriate and what is not? Which approach is worth using and why? This article looks at biographical research from the critical point of view, especially at a time when the diversity of approaches, concepts, and perspectives can make it difficult for novices to use this method. Having long experience in applying the biographical method allows me to look critically at my own research and think about using the abductive method to generate a theory on identity formation and transformation by non-traditional students in higher education in Sweden. How is this possible and what are the consequences? This article tries to show the beginnings of the biographical method in the context of social sciences and reflects on the different approaches, pitfalls as well as advantages and disadvantages. It presents problems in applying biographical interview, sampling, ethical issues, data analysis and conceptualization as well as creation of typology on the example of my own research.
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