本文首先探討敘說研究的內涵,提出個人經驗法、個人自傳法、自我民族誌及書寫等方法,以期掌握敘說研究的精神與特點;其次探討文本與詮譯、研究者的位置、研究的信效度、派典之爭等敘說研究議性問題,以認清問題並試圖建立敘說研究的地位;接著探討敘說研究的最根本問題,也就是倫理問題,提醒研究者應有的認知與自覺;最後藉由批評與討論,指出單向敘說與對話的目的在於喚醒人的主體性。止於採訪報導、耽溺於故事之中、陷於自我迷戀的滿足與幻想、最後葬身於語言遊戲的墳場,不是敘說研究者應有的作爲,研究者應發揮其積極功能,以實踐的行動力改進現況。
This study aft empts to deal with the following issues: the nature of narrative inquiry, the controversial issues about narrative inquiry, and the ethics of narrative inquiry. We can grasp the nature of narrative inquiry through personal experience methods, autobiographical method, autoethnography and writing. We have to discuss the controversial issues in narrative inquiry so that we can establish the decency and legitimacy of narrative inquiry. These issues include text and interpretation, researcher's position, reliability and validity, and paradigm debate. Instead of just being a reporter, indulging in telling stories, falling in narcissism and losting oneself in the language games, narrative inquirers should evoke consciousness of oneself to improve our lives through reflective practices.