Capturing Identity

Scientists from six countries, well known for their work in the field of identity research, explain and comment on methodological approaches used to research identity. This book concentrates on qualitative methods, such as narrative identity analysis or semi-structured interviewing techniques to determine identity status, as well as the quantitative method of using questionnaires. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their future integration. The reader will learn about qualitative and quantitative research and discover the similarities and differences between the methods of researching identity, depending on whether the research has methodological roots in one field, the other, or both.

Chapters include: James E. Marcia presents his latest thoughts and experiences regarding the identity status concept and focuses on the Identity Status Interview (ISI) as a method to obtain empirical access to ego identity development. Guenter Mey presents a case study from his project "Adolescence, Identity, Narration" based on problem-centered interviews and the specific interviewing, transcription, and data analysis procedures utilized. Mechthild Kiegelmann introduces the Voice Approach, a qualitative-oriented research method developed by Carol Gilligan, Lyn Brown, and their colleagues, which can be applied to identity research. Luc Goossens and Koen Luyckx present their results, which are mostly based on questionnaries offering a broad range of data analyses. Wim Meeus, the author of the Utrecht-Groningen Identity Development Scale, and Minet de Wied offer an overview of twenty-five years of research on relationships with parents and identity in adolescence.