Biographical Method of Research

Presented By:
Haider Ali Shishmahal
& Fatima Raza
1. Introduction of the Biographical Research Method

Simplest definition is an intensive account of a whole life or portion of a

life.

The name Biograph suggests life (bio) and story or picture (graph).
1. Introduction of the Biographical Research Method

Method uses interviewing techniques and collects a range of different

data from diaries, notebooks, interactive websites, videos, weblogs and
written personal narratives.
• The goal of the researcher is often to be as
unobtrusive and noninterventionist as possible
and let the subject reveal information that is
pertinent to the topic of study.

• Sometimes the research is one individual or a

group of individuals sharing characteristics
common to the sample population.

• Features of a biographical research

Qualitative and Interpretive in nature

• Most common way in which the biographical

method is applied- interviews

• Steps
 2. Steps and Actions in Biographical Research

• Various research methods under the umbrella of Biographical research vary

in general and each method may vary in specific.

• Steps may include a format such as:

1. Participant profile selection.

2. Initial rapport building.

3. Negotiation (often informal) on the data gathering and the ways by which
it will be analysed or presented to the public.

4. Preparation for the interview .

5. Data gathering, commonly through interviews –mostly semi-
structured.

6. Follow-up on interview if needed.

7. Analysis of the materials and contents of the research.

8. Write-up of the findings of the research including editing.

9. Presenting or publishing the research.

 3. Applications of Biographical Research
• At the most fundamental level of biographical research, the unit of analysis
is usually an individual or a group of individuals( micro level)

• Meso and Macro level of analysis.

• Used to understand the group.

• Reconstruction of life histories and the constitution of meaning based on

biographical narratives and documents.

• Clinical psychology application

• Hypothetical Example- Suicide

 3. Applications of Biographical Research
• Reconstruction of life histories and the constitution of
meaning based on biographical narratives and documents.

• Clinical psychology application

• Hypothetical Example- Suicide

5. Further Analysis on the Biographical
Research Method
• Empirical and Scientific.

• Interpretivistic approach

• Interpretivism- advantage and limitation both.

• Low levels of objectivity and generalizibility.

5. Further Analysis on the Biographical
Research Method

• Low levels of objectivity and generalizibility.

4. Advantages / Disadvantages / Strengths /
Limitations of Biographical Research
• Advantage -Pertinent information and knowledge only
through looking at life history.

• Limitation is less reliability as compared to validity.

• Time consuming and requires considerable tolerance on the

part of the informant or interviewee.

•
4. Advantages / Disadvantages / Strengths /
Limitations of Biographical Research

• Faces criticisms regarding the potential bias that can occur

through the reinterpretation of the past and errors in
memory.

• Tendencies in reminiscence such as the bump.

6. Ethical Considerations in Biographical
Research
• Questions on informed consent of the subject to be
interviewed.

• Questions on responsible use of the data gathered.

• Questions on the use of secondary data.

6. Ethical Considerations in Biographical
Research
• Questions on the relationship between biographer and
biographee .

• Any other issues in standard professional or psychological

practice of research.
7. Studies and Examples of Biographical
Research
1. Tom O’Donoghue. (2019). A proposal for a life history study. In Planning Your
Qualitative Research Thesis and Project. An Introduction to Interpretivist Research
in Education and the Social Sciences. (2nd Edition). Pp. 131-142. Routledge. NY
7. Studies and Examples of Biographical
Research
2. Huber, D., Milne, S., & Hyde, K. F. (2017). Biographical research methods and
their use in the study of senior tourism. International Journal of Tourism Research,
19(1), 27-37.
7. Studies and Examples of Biographical
Research
3. Findlay, A. M., & Li, F. L. N. (1997). An auto-biographical approach to
understanding migration: the case of Hong Kong emigrants. Area (29.1) pp 34-44.
7. Studies and Examples of Biographical
Research
4. Feyyaz, M. (2016). Winning Hearts and Minds in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas: A
Personal Recollections of a Peace-Building Effort with the Taliban. Perspectives on
Terrorism. Vol 10(3) pp53-58.
7. Studies and Examples of Biographical
Research
5. Zaman, T. R. (2011). Instructive Memory: An Analysis of Auto/Biographical
Writing in Early Mughal India. Journal of the Economic and Social History of the
Orient. Vol 54(5) pp. 677-700.
Thank you