Cancer narratives and methodological uncertainties

This article considers the methodological uncertainties arising in the early months of a research project that involves the secondary data analysis, using narrative analysis methods, of lengthy interview transcripts with cancer patients and their main informal carers. It revisits the particular social contexts, purposes and intentions involved in the creation of the interview transcripts, then considers the new methodological challenges involved. A sociological preference for the analysis of narrative content rather than narrative form is examined, before being set aside in favour of exploring both content and form in broader social context.