Layering the Cake:

Qualitative Research Artistry and Craft

Qualitative Report Fifth Annual ConferenceKristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.

January 17, 2014

Engaging Autoethnography in Dissertations

Presentation Overview• This presentation will explore the use of

autoethnography as a research method in dissertations.

• I will use my own dissertation as this presentation’s road map, and recent example of how I employed autoethnography to juxtapose the lived experience of my 19th century Mormon ancestor with my own as a 21st century lesbian.

• I will discuss how autoethnography provided a pathway for me to interweave data derived from: a) primary sources, b) historic documents, c) family lore, d) my own felt-sense, e) reflection on personal narrative, and f) shamanic journeying. Through an autoethnographical approach, themes of a) personal and societal neglect, b) persecution, c) perseverance, and d) resilience were derived from the research, and integrated into the dissertation.

Autoethnography

Autoethnography is an approach to research and writing that seeks to describe and systematically analyze (graphy) personal experience (auto) in order to understand cultural experience (ethno) (Ellis, 2004; Holman Jones, 2005). This approach challenges canonical ways of doing research and representing others (Spry, 2001) and treats research as a political, socially-just and socially conscious act (Adams & Holman Jones, 2008). A researcher uses tenets of autobiography and ethnography to do and write autoethnography. Thus, as a method, autoethnography is both process and product. (Ellis, Adams, & Bochner, 2011, para. 1)

Transpersonal GenealogyDefinition

The experience of a) feeling pulled or called to, b) guided by deceased ancestors in researching their history, and c) how such genealogy enriches the psycho-spiritual development of the researcher.

Examples:•Elizabeth “Betsey” Arnold née Bliss

•Family History Library

•Caroline and Josselyn

Non-Example:•Slot machine rush

Themes Derived from research on ancestor, self (including self-reflection), and

participant interviews

• Personal and Societal Neglect

• Persecution

• Perseverance

• Resilience

Example of Themes:Personal and Societal Neglect, Persecution,

Perseverance, and Resilience

Intentionally left blank.

“I would be honored.”

“I am going to pass on the opportunity to have you use

my painting.”

Narrative and Reflection Chapters:Layering the Cake

To Learn More...Please join me @ Cherry Hill Seminary

Transpersonal Genealogy: Three 4-week online classes offered through Cherry Hill Seminary:

– Combine experiential learning with engaging lecture, thought-provoking video, and conscientious discussion of class postings.

– Explore definition of Transpersonal Genealogy.

– Trace your family tree.

– Connect with ancestors through ritual, and shamanic journeying.

– Share and discuss experiences with Transpersonal Genealogy and its impact on you.

Credit for Included Images

• Title Slide: Melinda Strauss: Rainbow Layer Birthday Cake

• Slide 1: Mary Cassatt: Denise at Her Dressing Table

• Slide 2: Pablo Picasso: Girl in Front of Mirror

• Slide 3: Daisy A. Houle: Reaching Across the Generations

• Slide 4: Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.: Looking Back

• Slide 5: Unknown: Perseverance & Resilience

• Slide 6: Elizabeth Arnold Mills: Transpersonal Genealogy

• Slide 7: Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.: Layering the Cake

• Slide 8: Unknown: Cherry Hill Seminary logo

• Slide 10: Unknown: ASL Thank you

Contact Information

Kristin N. Rivers, Ph.D.

knrivers66@gmail.com

http://www.cherryhillseminary.org/about/leadership/faculty-2/2012_knrivers/

Thank you.