A Methodology of Dialogic Model Construction for Qualitative Studies

Multiple Realities, Narrative Text, and Dialogic Reflexivity

Abstract

A Methodology of Dialogic Model Construction for qualitative studies (MDMC) is proposed and discussed with respect to the following three issues. 1) Dialogue among multiple realities: There appear to be multiple worlds and realities connected to research for different purposes. The purpose of MDMC is to construct the realities of possible, assumed worlds that are related to the actuality of experience. 2) Dialogue among multiple narratives: Narrative researchers need dialogic interactions with various levels of narrative. The first level consists of the facts of life events and experiences. The second level lies in the mutual act of telling stories that takes place among narrators and listeners. The third level is the narrative text and the construction of models. The fourth level consists of the ties between narratives and academic or practical issues. 3) Concepts of "narrative text" and "dialogic reflexivity": These concepts are important for the relative de-contextualization and generative re-connection in the narrating, reading, reflecting, and writing processes of researchers.