2 APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF EXPERIENCES OF HEALTH AND OLD-AGE - THE THEMATIC INTERVIEW AND THE NARRATIVE METHOD

This paper discusses two methods of data collection for the study of e xperienced health and old age: the thematic interview and the narrativ e method, both of which represent the interpretive research paradigm. Two applications of the method are described: the thematic interview w as used in a study of patient experiences of health and nursing, and t he narrative method in a study of experiences of ageing. The role and utility of the methods are discussed from the point of view of nursing research.