Telling stories: the epistemological value of anecdotes in Ghanaian communication research

Abstract

Telling stories and/or anecdotes is a normal part of everyday life and communication in Ghana. Consequently, using anecdotes narrated by participants in research on people's attitude towards the environment and the role of the media in encouraging environmental awareness, this article argues that anecdotes can be used as epistemological tools which can inform ways of knowing and doing communication research in Ghana. In particular, it is noted that telling stories or anecdotes has important implications for those telling them, other participants in the discussion, in the case of focus groups, and also the communication researcher. The ultimate value lies in the fact that through documenting and analysing anecdotes, the accumulated experiences of people can serve as evidence that can inform and positively influence policy-makers. In the context of media studies, it will also enrich the literature on the relationship between media, public opinion and environmental issues.