ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the use of narrative methods as a methodological option in individual differences research. It will first document the features of narrative methods in terms of theoretical assumptions, data collection, and analysis. The chapter then moves on to highlight the contributions of narrative methods in research on language learning strategy use, motivation, willingness to communicate, anxiety, and beliefs. Sample studies from relevant research on these individual difference variables will be presented to illustrate how narrative methods enable researchers to retheorize and explore them. The chapter concludes with a discussion of what the future holds for narrative methods in individual differences research.
