The Research Vignette
The adequate presentation of empirical research findings poses an essential, yet often neglected challenge in qualitative methodology. This article contributes to the debate by proposing the research vignette as a mediating position between conventional and experimental forms of writing. On the basis of an illustrating example from an interview study on the psychosocial dynamics of HIV related sexual risk behavior of gay men in Germany, the methodological foundations of the research vignette are outlined and practical applications for qualitative research are discussed. The research vignette provides the opportunity to conduct a psychoanalytically informed interpretation in which the presentation of findings is woven into a critical reflection of the interaction dynamic in the research encounter and substantiating theoretical considerations.