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PSY2629 Qualitative Research Methods & Data Analysis > IPA > Flashcards

IPA Flashcards

1
Q

What is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)?

A

A qualitative research method that explores how individuals make sense of their lived experiences.

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2
Q

What is the purpose of IPA?

A

To understand how people perceive, interpret, and give meaning to significant life events.

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3
Q

What are the key features of IPA?

A
  1. Focuses on lived experience.
  2. Uses double hermeneutic.
  3. Employs small, purposive samples.
  4. Idiographic approach—detailed, case-by-case analysis.
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4
Q

What does the ‘Double Hermeneutic’ mean in IPA?

A

It refers to the process where participants interpret their experiences, and researchers then interpret the participants’ interpretations.

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5
Q

Why does IPA use a small, purposive sample?

A

Because IPA aims for deep, detailed analysis rather than generalizability, typically using 5-10 participants.

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6
Q

What are the philosophical foundations of IPA?

A
  1. Phenomenology—understanding participants’ subjective experiences.
  2. Hermeneutics—interpreting narratives.
  3. Idiography—detailed focus on individuals.
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7
Q

What are the main steps in conducting IPA research?

A
  1. Data Collection.
  2. Transcription.
  3. Initial Noting.
  4. Developing Emergent Themes.
  5. Connecting Themes.
  6. Cross-Case Analysis.
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8
Q

What are the primary methods of data collection in IPA?

A

Semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and written narratives to gain deep insights.

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9
Q

What is the significance of verbatim transcription in IPA?

A

It includes not just spoken words but also pauses, hesitations, and emotional cues, aiding in deeper interpretation.

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10
Q

What are the three types of initial notes taken in IPA analysis?

A
  1. Descriptive—focusing on what the participant says.
  2. Linguistic—analyzing word choice and tone.
  3. Conceptual—exploring deeper meanings.
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11
Q

How are emergent themes developed in IPA?

A

By identifying patterns across the descriptive, linguistic, and conceptual notes and linking them into coherent themes.

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12
Q

What is the process of cross-case analysis in IPA?

A

By comparing themes across multiple participants to identify commonalities and differences.

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13
Q

What are some methods to ensure validity in IPA research?

A
  1. Transparency—documenting the research process in detail.
  2. Triangulation—cross-checking findings with different sources.
  3. Reflexivity—researchers reflecting on their own biases.
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14
Q

What are the strengths of IPA?

A
  1. Provides deep, rich insights into personal experiences.
  2. Ensures analysis is grounded in participants’ perspectives.
  3. Flexible for exploring diverse phenomena.
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15
Q

What are the weaknesses of IPA?

A
  1. Time-consuming due to in-depth analysis.
  2. Limited generalizability due to small sample sizes.
  3. Researcher interpretation may introduce bias.
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16
Q

Provide an example of an IPA study in healthcare.

A

A study on how patients with chronic pain make sense of their illness, identifying themes such as ‘loss of identity’ and ‘struggle for normalcy’.

17
Q

What is the idiographic approach in IPA?

A

An idiographic approach means focusing on the detailed and unique experiences of individual participants before looking for broader patterns.

18
Q

Why is reflexivity important in IPA?

A

Reflexivity is crucial because researchers’ interpretations influence the study, requiring them to acknowledge and reflect on their own biases and assumptions.

19
Q

What are the differences between IPA and Thematic Analysis?

A

IPA emphasizes in-depth exploration of individual experiences, while Thematic Analysis focuses on identifying patterns across multiple participants without deep individual case analysis.

20
Q

What are some challenges in conducting IPA research?

A
  1. Requires detailed and lengthy interviews.
  2. Highly time-consuming data analysis.
  3. Small sample size limits generalizability.
21
Q

How can IPA findings be validated?

A
  1. Transparency—documenting each stage of analysis.
  2. Member-checking—sharing interpretations with participants.
  3. Peer review—having colleagues review findings.
22
Q

What are the ethical considerations in IPA research?

A
  1. Informed consent—participants must understand the nature of the study.
  2. Confidentiality—ensuring anonymity.
  3. Sensitivity—handling distressing topics with care.
23
Q

Give an example of an IPA study in education.

A

A study exploring how international students adapt to a new cultural environment, identifying themes of ‘loneliness,’ ‘self-discovery,’ and ‘resilience.’

24
Q

Give an example of an IPA study in psychology.

A

A study on how individuals cope after experiencing a traumatic event, identifying themes such as ‘emotional numbness,’ ‘seeking support,’ and ‘meaning-making.’

25
Q

What is the role of meaning-making in IPA?

A

IPA investigates how participants assign meaning to their lived experiences, emphasizing personal interpretation and perception.

26
Q

What is the difference between experiential and critical orientation in IPA?

A

Experiential orientation captures participants’ direct lived experiences, while critical orientation examines how language and social structures shape those experiences.

27
Q

How does IPA handle subjectivity in research?

A

IPA acknowledges subjectivity but enhances rigor through reflexivity, transparency, and careful interpretation to ensure credibility.

PSY2629 Qualitative Research Methods & Data Analysis (12 decks)

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