Lives in Context: The Art of Life History Research

A thoughtful, well-crafted, carefully nuanced book; a good example of the sixth moment in qualitative research. — Norman Denzin, (University of Illinois)

In the all-important relationships between researcher and subject, several principles are key: relationality, mutuality, empathy, sensitivity, and respect. The process of preparing for and ‘doing’ LHR [life history research] is described & salient issuesinvolved at different stages of the project are addressed. This book is deemed ideal as both a resource for teaching beginning qualitative researchers and as a reference guide for established ones…. ― Sociological Abstracts

This book will be beneficial for novice and experienced researchers interested in using oral history methods….Nurse researchers with an interest in life history work would find this a valuable read, as would nurse educators looking for a text for students on how to do life history research. Lives in Context: The Art of Life History Research provides a thorough discussion of the life history research method, highlighting the importance of the individual in creating broader understandings of experience. — Danielle Cooke, (University of Calgary) ― Nursing History Review

Lives in Context has achived its objective of gracefully portraying the need to protect the fragility of other people’s confidence throughout the process of academic research and representation. ― Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology

Separating this book from others of the genre is the philosophy of research that guides Cole and Knowles. They advocate an approach that is open, respectful, and attuned to the place and role of the subject in the life history study. Beginning researchers, including those who are working the field of oral history, especially should read this book. Recommended for academic libraries that support graduate level research. — J. J. Fox Jr., (Salem State College) ― CHOICE

In the all-important relationships between researcher and subject, several principles are key: relationality, mutuality, empathy, sensitivity, and respect. The process of preparing for and ‘doing’ LHR [life history research] is described & salient issues involved at different stages of the project are addressed. This book is deemed ideal as both a resource for teaching beginning qualitative researchers and as a reference guide for established ones. ― Sociological Abstracts