IPA Flashcards
What is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)?
A qualitative research method that explores how individuals make sense of their lived experiences.
What is the purpose of IPA?
To understand how people perceive, interpret, and give meaning to significant life events.
What are the key features of IPA?
- Focuses on lived experience.
- Uses double hermeneutic.
- Employs small, purposive samples.
- Idiographic approach—detailed, case-by-case analysis.
What does the ‘Double Hermeneutic’ mean in IPA?
It refers to the process where participants interpret their experiences, and researchers then interpret the participants’ interpretations.
Why does IPA use a small, purposive sample?
Because IPA aims for deep, detailed analysis rather than generalizability, typically using 5-10 participants.
What are the philosophical foundations of IPA?
- Phenomenology—understanding participants’ subjective experiences.
- Hermeneutics—interpreting narratives.
- Idiography—detailed focus on individuals.
What are the main steps in conducting IPA research?
- Data Collection.
- Transcription.
- Initial Noting.
- Developing Emergent Themes.
- Connecting Themes.
- Cross-Case Analysis.
What are the primary methods of data collection in IPA?
Semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and written narratives to gain deep insights.
What is the significance of verbatim transcription in IPA?
It includes not just spoken words but also pauses, hesitations, and emotional cues, aiding in deeper interpretation.
What are the three types of initial notes taken in IPA analysis?
- Descriptive—focusing on what the participant says.
- Linguistic—analyzing word choice and tone.
- Conceptual—exploring deeper meanings.
How are emergent themes developed in IPA?
By identifying patterns across the descriptive, linguistic, and conceptual notes and linking them into coherent themes.
What is the process of cross-case analysis in IPA?
By comparing themes across multiple participants to identify commonalities and differences.
What are some methods to ensure validity in IPA research?
- Transparency—documenting the research process in detail.
- Triangulation—cross-checking findings with different sources.
- Reflexivity—researchers reflecting on their own biases.
What are the strengths of IPA?
- Provides deep, rich insights into personal experiences.
- Ensures analysis is grounded in participants’ perspectives.
- Flexible for exploring diverse phenomena.
What are the weaknesses of IPA?
- Time-consuming due to in-depth analysis.
- Limited generalizability due to small sample sizes.
- Researcher interpretation may introduce bias.
Provide an example of an IPA study in healthcare.
A study on how patients with chronic pain make sense of their illness, identifying themes such as ‘loss of identity’ and ‘struggle for normalcy’.
What is the idiographic approach in IPA?
An idiographic approach means focusing on the detailed and unique experiences of individual participants before looking for broader patterns.
Why is reflexivity important in IPA?
Reflexivity is crucial because researchers’ interpretations influence the study, requiring them to acknowledge and reflect on their own biases and assumptions.
What are the differences between IPA and Thematic Analysis?
IPA emphasizes in-depth exploration of individual experiences, while Thematic Analysis focuses on identifying patterns across multiple participants without deep individual case analysis.
What are some challenges in conducting IPA research?
- Requires detailed and lengthy interviews.
- Highly time-consuming data analysis.
- Small sample size limits generalizability.
How can IPA findings be validated?
- Transparency—documenting each stage of analysis.
- Member-checking—sharing interpretations with participants.
- Peer review—having colleagues review findings.
What are the ethical considerations in IPA research?
- Informed consent—participants must understand the nature of the study.
- Confidentiality—ensuring anonymity.
- Sensitivity—handling distressing topics with care.
Give an example of an IPA study in education.
A study exploring how international students adapt to a new cultural environment, identifying themes of ‘loneliness,’ ‘self-discovery,’ and ‘resilience.’
Give an example of an IPA study in psychology.
A study on how individuals cope after experiencing a traumatic event, identifying themes such as ‘emotional numbness,’ ‘seeking support,’ and ‘meaning-making.’
