27 April to 4 May

Using narrative in research with deafblind people: an ethical alternative?

Research with deafblind people is problematic, because the sensory problems they experience mean that they often have poor language skills, and consequent difficulties in communication. As a result, questionnaire surveys using standardised psychological tools with such people are difficult and may produce data of doubtful validity. What is more, even research that employs interviewing is not without problems.

Though it has limitations of its own, a narrative approach to research offers a solution to some of these difficulties, because the invitation to tell stories about one's life, rather than focusing on particular questions, can allow a more relaxed approach and give respondents the opportunity to focus on what matters to them.Such an approach is arguably more respectful to deafblind people than others, since it gives them the chance to communicate what they feel is important, in ways that are personally meaningful. It thus,for example, allows researchers more easily to identify not only the weaknesses, but also the strengths that deafblind people often develop, either in spite of or even as a result of, their sensory impairments.It is for these reasons that we believe the use of a narrative approach conveys ethical advantages in research with deafblind people.

Dr Grzegorz Wiacek*, Institute of Psychology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) and Gavin Fairbairn, Running Stream Professor of Ethics and Language, Leeds Metropolitan University.

*Dr Wiacek's book Effektywna Integracja Szkolna (Effective School Integration) has recently been published by Towarszystwo Kaukowe Kul