Meaning from methods: re-presenting narratives of an HIV-affected caregiver

This article outlines the methodological process followed in examining a portion of an interview in which an older woman tells of two incidents where she felt effects of associative HIV-related stigma. Through the process of applying different techniques of narrative analysis, the author learned research methods and deepened interpretations of the text. Data management techniques both reflect assumptions and augment understanding. In narrative analysis, the structural whole can best be understood by first examining the architectural detail. This report demonstrates how meaning can emerge from method, theory from transcription, and richness from rigor. It also argues for the utility of narrative analysis to social work research, teaching, and practice.