An Intensity Index for Important Moments - A Mixed Method Biographical Analysis: Given the scale and complexity of data collected in large biographical qualitative surveys, the challenge is to develop the meaning that events take as seen by those who live them, without resorting to anecdotes. This paper proposes an articulation of qualitative and quantitative approaches based on intensity index of important moments (indice d’intensité des temps forts or IITF) that translates methodologically and statistically the event density variations that dot youth life course trajectories. An emergent categorization of important moments is presented and the association between areas of high event density and changes in the sphere of employment is examined using the IITF. A brief return to youth biographical narratives concerning these turbulent zones identified by index permits us to deepen understanding of these high intensity moments.
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