Phenomenology

Question 1

Brief Description of Phenomenology

Answer 1

A Phenomenological study describes the common meaning for several individuals of their lived experiences of a concept or phenomenon. Phenomenologists focus on describing what all participants have in common as they experience a phenomenon. The basic purpose of phenomenology is to reduce individual experiences with a phenomenon of a description of the universal essence (“a grasp of the very nature of the thing.” Van Manen, 1990).

Question 2

Phenomenology describes ___ they experienced and ___ they experienced it.

Answer 2

This description consists of “what” they experienced and “how” they experienced it (Moustakas, 1994; Creswell & Poth, 2018).

Question 3

Is phenomenology a philosophy or a method or both?

Answer 3

Phenomenology is both a philosophy and method. Phenomenology does not endeavor to develop a theory to explain the world; rather the goal is to develop deeper insight to help maintain greater contact within the world (Van Manen, 1990, 2016).

Question 4

Philosophical roots of phenomenology

Answer 4

Philosophy is the foundation of this type of research. It is rooted in the philosophical perspectives of Husserl (1859-1938) and subsequent philosophical discussions by Heidegger (1889-1976) and Merleau-Ponty (1908-1961).

Question 5

What are the two main philosophies of phenomenology?

Answer 5

There are two main philosophies: (1) Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology (founded as traditional/classical phenomenology), which is descriptive and (2) Heidegger’s Hermeneutic phenomenology, which moves from descriptive to interpretive. (Heidegger was a pupil of Husserl.) In Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology, bracketing is a key process.

Question 6

What is the theoretical framework for phenomenology?

Answer 6

The theoretical framework is always phenomenology. A secondary theoretical framework (grounding philosophy or philosophical framework) can be used in hermeneutic phenomenology, but the research would be a hybrid and should be labeled as such.

Question 7

How does transcendental phenomenology handle biases?

Answer 7

In transcendental phenomenology, biases are irrelevant; they should be set aside (bracketed) and should not be made explicit. Highlighting biases in transcendental phenomenology is counterintuitive to the process.

Question 8

How are biases handled in hermeneutic phenomenology?

Answer 8

In hermeneutic phenomenology, the understanding is that biases cannot be set aside or bracketed, and therefore, they need to be recognized and later revised as new information is discovered.

Question 9

Research focus of approach of phenomenology

Answer 9

Understand the essence of the experience/phenomenon

Question 10

Unit of analysis of phenomenology

Answer 10

Studying several individuals who have shared the experience

Question 11

Type of research problem best suited for phenomenology

Answer 11

Needing to describe the essence of the lived phenomenon

Question 12

Nature of disciplinary origins of phenomenology

Answer 12

Drawings from philosophy, psychology, and education

Question 13

Forms of data collection for phenomenology

Answer 13

Using primarily interviews with individuals, although documents, observations, and art may also be considered

Data collection tools: Interview protocols, journal questionnaires, document rubrics.

Question 14

Which interview protocol is recommended for phenomenology?

Answer 14

A semistructured interview protocol is recommended, allowing researchers to construct interview questions relevant to the research question so that key aspects of the research study are sure to be covered while allowing for participants to discuss other information that may end up being relevant to the study. Semistructured interviews allow researchers to keep a balance between focusing on the research topic and allowing for a disciplined naturalness in phenomenological research (Giorgi, 1985).

Question 15

Data analysis strategy for phenomenology

Answer 15

Analyzing data for significant statements, meaning units, textual and structural description, and description of the “essence”.

Question 16

What are typical access and rapport procedures for phenomenology?

Answer 16

Finding people who have experienced the phenomenon; identifying gatekeeper for help.
Ethical considerations: Seeking permissions from Human Subject Review Board/IRB/local approvals for access and review procedures; Human Subject/Individual Consent Forms. Become familiar with research context and population. Find out about cultural, religious, gender, and other differences that need to be respected.

Question 17

How does one select a site or individuals (purposeful sampling strategies) for the phenomenology method?

Answer 17

Finding people who have experienced the phenomenon (a criterion sample)
Participants may be located at a single site, although they need not be. They must be individuals who have all experienced the phenomenon being explored and can articulate their lived experiences (van Manen, 2014).
Criterion sampling (meets some criterion), a form of purposeful sampling, works well when all individuals studied represent people who have experienced the phenomenon.

Question 18

How is information recorded?

Answer 18

Interviews - often multiple interviews with the same individuals

Question 19

Methods of Interpreting Data for phenomenology

Answer 19

Phenomenology is not only description but also an interpretive process in which the researcher interprets the meaning of the lived experience.

Question 20

Key Words for phenomenological purpose statement

Answer 20

Phenomenology, Describe, Experiences, Meaning, Essence

“The purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe/uncover the (central phenomenon of the study) for (the participants) at (the site). At this stage in the research, the (central phenomenon) will be generally described as (a general definition of the central phenomenon). (Creswell & Poth, 2018, p. 132)

Question 21

Guiding question for phenomenology

Answer 21

What is the essence of the lived experience under study?

Question 22

What are the basic textural and structural features in the phenomenological interview?

Answer 22

A template must include sections where the researcher can record the 1) textural (participant’s first hand statement about the experience) 2) structural (participant’s description of how he/she experienced it in terms of conditions, situations, context, and setting) and the interrelatedness of self-awareness, emotion, imagination, awareness of others, intention of one’s actions, memory and special recollections, communications, social interactions, and an evolving comprehension of the experience (meaning-making).

Question 23

What is a general phenomenological interview protocal format?

Answer 23

Interview Protocol general format
Title of Project, Date, Time & Place, Interviewer, Interviewee, Other
- Pre-interview Information Procedures
Introductions, study purpose and applications, consent forms, approvals, treatment of data, and other questions or concerns.
- Opening the Interview Session
Establish rapport
- Key Interview Questions
- Concluding the Interview
- Thank you and follow-up reminder for reflective questionnaire, member checking, or clarification.