Life Story Research gathers together articles on a number of methodological approaches within the social sciences that focus on research where the individual and his or her life, experiences and thinking is the core focus of study. The personal narrative can be teased out in many ways using methods such as the auto/biographical or oral history, and even the psychoanalytical. This four volume set cover an extensive time period, with classic pieces providing an important context for much of the later work. This set will be invaluable to researchers within the social sciences and related research fields (nursing, criminology, cultural studies). With many 'new' approaches available, individual researchers are offered access to material that addresses both the 'how to' as well as a critical evaluation of issues associated with them.

Part I: Historical Origins & Trajectories

Part II: Theoretical & Conceptual Issues in Life Story Research

Part III: Types of Life Story Research: Traditional and New Sources of Life Story Data

Part IV: Doing Life Story Research

Part V: Research Contexts and Life Stories