Cognitive Potential of the Biographical Method

Authors

  • N. I. Lisovska-Muskeeva Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
  • M. V.-S. Sydorov Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv

Keywords:

biography, biographical method, life story, life history, narrative

Abstract

The article is devoted to the features, advantages and disadvantages of the biographical method and areas of applicability. Particular attention is paid to ways to improve the tools by developing a system of indicators that could be used for any biographies, regardless of the purpose of their writing. The introduction of elements of quantitative research not only simplifies the analysis of individual texts, but also makes it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of them, and also minimizes the impact of the researcher on the results, with the possibility of a qualitative understanding of the text biographies maintained. This approach extends the cognitive potential of the biographical method as the ability to interpret individual cases, and get a complete picture of the society in the framework of various events.

References

1. Miguel, S. (2011), Archival and Biographical Research Sensitivity: A European Perspective from Spain, Forum: Qualitative social research , http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1744/3245.
2. McGarry, R., Keating, M. (2010), Autobiography, personal testimony and epiphany moments: a case study in research-informed teaching, Liverpool Hope University, http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/documents/subjects/csap/eliss/3-1-Keating-Mcgarry.pdf.
3. Apitzsch, U., Siouti, I. (2007), Biographical Analysis as an Interdisciplinary Research Perspective in the Field of Migration Studies, http://www.york.ac.uk/res/researchintegration/Integrative_Research_ Methods/ Apitzsch%20Biographical%20Analysis%20April%202007.pdf.
4. Roberts, B. (2002), Biographical research Principles and Practice in Survey Research, Buckingham, Philadelphia : Open University Press, http://mcgraw-hill.co.uk/openup/chapters/0335202861.pdf.
5. Bornat, J., Walmsley, J. (2008), Biography as empowerment or appropriation: Research and practice issues, The Innovation Journal : The Public Sector Innovation Journal, http://oro.open.ac.uk/12262/1/.
6. Zinn, O. (2010), Biography, Risk and Uncertainty – Is there Common Ground for Biographical Research and Risk Research?, Forum: Qualitative social research, http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1512/3029.
7. Knobelsdorf, M. (2007), Computer Biographies – A Biographical Research Perspective on Computer Usage and Attitudes Toward Informatics, Institute for Computer Science Free University Berlin, http://www.inf.fu-berlin.de/inst/ag-ddi/docs/Paper/KOLI_05.pdf.
8. Ojermark, A. (2006), Rapporteur’s Notes Biographical Research (Salam Fall), Chronic Poverty research centre, http://www.chronicpoverty.org/uploads/ publication_files/ 1.1%20Rapporteur%20report%20-%20Biographical%20research.pdf.
9. Henwood, K., Pidgeon, N., Parkhill, K., Simmons, P. (2010), Researching Risk: Narrative, Biography, Subjectivity, Forum: Qualitative social research, http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1438/2925.
10. Zinn, O. (2004), Social Contexts and Responses to Risk Network (SCARR). Working Paper Introduction to Biographical Research, Canterbury, University of Kent. – Canterbury http://www.kent.ac.uk/scarr/papers/ Introduction%20biographical%20research. %20WP%204. 04doc.pdf.
11. Brandon, V. (2002), Toward a Reconsideration of Biography as an Instrument for Studying Leadership in Educational Administration, Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, http://www.umanitoba.ca/publications/ cjeap/articles/brandon.html.

Published

12.05.2018

Issue

Section

METHODOLOGY OF SOCIAL RESEARCHES