In narrative research, what is the primary method of data collection?

In narrative research, the primary method of data collection is through interviews with subjects who present their stories. This approach is core to narrative research as it seeks to explore individuals' experiences, personal stories, and the meanings they derive from those experiences. Through interviews, researchers can delve deeply into the subjective perspectives of participants, allowing for a rich, nuanced understanding of their narratives.

In narrative research, the emphasis is on the stories shared by individuals, which provide insight into their lives, identity, and the contexts in which they exist. This method enables researchers to capture the complexity of human experiences and the ways in which people make sense of their lives through storytelling.

Other choices, like surveys, observational methods, or experiential learning tasks, typically gather more quantitative data or general insights that do not focus on the depth and richness of individual stories. Hence, these methods are not aligned with the fundamental purpose of narrative research. The intention behind narrative inquiry is to center the participant's voice and personal narrative, making interviews the most suitable and effective means of data collection in this context.