This article by Fritz Schütze explores the methodology of biographical research and narrative interviews, focusing on the process structures of life courses. Schütze argues that while social scientific biographical research often examines cohort and social group life cycles, it is crucial to understand the individual life experiences and the process structures that shape them. He emphasizes the importance of identifying elementary forms of process structures that are present in all life courses and the systematic combinations of these structures that form social life patterns. Schütze outlines the technique of autobiographical-narrative interviews, which involve three main parts: an autobiographical orientation, an initial narrative, and follow-up questions. The interviews aim to uncover the sequence of events, internal and external factors, and the biographer's interpretation of these events. The data generated from these interviews provide a detailed and continuous representation of the life course, including both external events and internal reactions. The article also discusses the analytical steps involved in evaluating autobiographical narratives, including formal text analysis, structural content analysis, and theoretical abstraction. These steps help identify the essential events and the overall structure of the life course, as well as the biographer's theoretical interpretations. Finally, Schütze illustrates the concept of a "curve of development" (Verlaufskurve) through a case study of an intern school student from a poor background. The student's life is marked by a curve of alienation and failure in education and employment, leading to depression and a suicide attempt. The article concludes with suggestions for further research and practical applications of the method, such as biographical counseling to help individuals understand and navigate their life courses.This article by Fritz Schütze explores the methodology of biographical research and narrative interviews, focusing on the process structures of life courses. Schütze argues that while social scientific biographical research often examines cohort and social group life cycles, it is crucial to understand the individual life experiences and the process structures that shape them. He emphasizes the importance of identifying elementary forms of process structures that are present in all life courses and the systematic combinations of these structures that form social life patterns. Schütze outlines the technique of autobiographical-narrative interviews, which involve three main parts: an autobiographical orientation, an initial narrative, and follow-up questions. The interviews aim to uncover the sequence of events, internal and external factors, and the biographer's interpretation of these events. The data generated from these interviews provide a detailed and continuous representation of the life course, including both external events and internal reactions. The article also discusses the analytical steps involved in evaluating autobiographical narratives, including formal text analysis, structural content analysis, and theoretical abstraction. These steps help identify the essential events and the overall structure of the life course, as well as the biographer's theoretical interpretations. Finally, Schütze illustrates the concept of a "curve of development" (Verlaufskurve) through a case study of an intern school student from a poor background. The student's life is marked by a curve of alienation and failure in education and employment, leading to depression and a suicide attempt. The article concludes with suggestions for further research and practical applications of the method, such as biographical counseling to help individuals understand and navigate their life courses.