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Master Narrative Methodology: A Primer for Conducting Structural-Psychological Research

Objective: The emphasis placed on individual-level analysis throughout psychological science in general, and diversity science in particular, has left the role of structural factors undertheorized. Moreover, the field suffers from a lack of research methods that fully investigate structural-individu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cultural diversity & ethnic minority psychology 2023-01, Vol.29 (1), p.53-63
Main Authors: Syed, Moin, McLean, Kate C.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Objective: The emphasis placed on individual-level analysis throughout psychological science in general, and diversity science in particular, has left the role of structural factors undertheorized. Moreover, the field suffers from a lack of research methods that fully investigate structural-individual relations. This article outlines one structural-psychological approach, the master narrative framework, and details various methods for taking social structures into account while still maintaining the focus on the individual. Conclusion: These methods, including event narratives, in-depth interviews, life-script analysis, focus groups, experiments, and conversation analysis, allow for an understanding of both the nature and substance of the structures and how individuals interact with them. Public Significance Statement Psychology is a discipline that focuses on individual-level behaviors and mental processes. However, those behaviors and mental processes occur within a socially stratified society, in which some groups have more access to power than others. This article focuses on research methods that can help bridge the divide between individuals and the social structures in which they live.
ISSN:1099-9809
1939-0106
DOI:10.1037/cdp0000470