Action research and narratives: ‘Finely Aware and Richly Responsible’¹

1. From Henry James’ The Art of the Novel, cited in Nussbaum (1990, p. 148).

Abstract

This paper explores the central place of stories and narratives in action research practices and accounts to argue that it is hard to imagine how we might do or write about action research in a non‐storied way. The paper argues that good stories help us to think well and more wisely about ourselves and our practice. An historical example is chosen to illustrate the compelling potential of stories about real people and real lives, followed by a teasing out of six methodological issues that arise.

Keywords:

• Ethical action
• Imagination
• Narrative
• Wise judgement

Notes

1. From Henry James’ The Art of the Novel, cited in Nussbaum (1990, p. 148).

2. The letters are in Marks (1987). Not Either an Experimental Doll comprises edited letters exchanged by Lily Moya, a young black South African, Mabel Palmer, an elderly white educationalist, and Sibusisiwe Makhanya, a black social worker, from 1949 to 1950, framed by an historical commentary and the author’s afterword. See also Marks (1989) and Morphet (1992).