1.1.1.1 Phenomenology
Phenomenology is a research philosophy that is involved with exploring and understanding the lived experience of individuals, through focusing on a particular experiential perspective (Finlay, 2012; Savin-Baden & Major, 2013). The lived experience of an individual is revealed by how one perceives and makes sense of an event, process or object (Finlay, 2012). The approach has its origins in the work of Husserl, who emphasises the importance and relevance of focusing on human experience and its perception, rather than the formulation of an objective account (Smith et al., 2013). Later developing this work, Heidegger, a student and admirer of Husserl’s, introduced a hermeneutic perspective to the philosophy of phenomenology, …show more content…
53) terms it, an “insider’s perspective” by exploring how individuals make sense of the world and their relationship to it. IPA also emphasises a pluralistic approach, drawing on the philosophy of hermeneutics: the theory of interpretation (Rennie, 2012; Smith et al., 2013). This is largely influenced by the work of Heidegger, who emphasises the hermeneutic aspect of phenomenological analysis (Smith et al., 2013). While phenomenology seeks to explore and uncover meaning, hermeneutics interprets this meaning (Bäckström & Sundin, 2007; Rennie, 2012). It is the central role of the analyst to facilitate and make sense of how the phenomena are presented (Smith et al., 2013). In this regard, it is recognised that all inquiries start with the analyst’s perspective, which may be influenced by their prior experience (Larkin, Watts & Clifton, 2006). Rather than setting these preconceptions aside in advance, the analyst is encouraged to adopt a “sensitive and responsive” approach that allows their preconceptions to be adjusted by the data (Larkin et al., 2006, p. 108; Smith et al., 2013). Here, a reflective practice is crucial as one may not be aware of their preconceptions in advance of the analysis (Finlay, 2009; Pietkiewicz & Smith, 2014; Smith et al., 2013). Smith et al. (2013, p. 35) emphasise the “positive processes of engaging with the participant more than the process of …show more content…
However, there are some who question whether this is possible or even desirable (Blaikie, 2007; Finlay, 2009). Heidegger expressed phenomenology as being an interpretative activity with preconceptions constantly influencing the process of bracketing. This, therefore, leads to the proviso that bracketing must be undertaken as a dynamic and cyclical process that may only ever be partially achieved (Smith et al., 2013). Blaikie (2007) argues that there is no such thing as ‘pure’ induction or deduction, such that inductive researchers will always generate and interpret their data based on assumptions made deductively from prior work in the field. Considering this, I have opted to make use of a reflexive diary in order to bring into awareness my own preconceptions (Biggerstaff & Thompson, 2008; Chan, Fung & Chien, 2013; Finlay, 2008; Pringle et al., 2011). Other important steps will involve adopting an open-ended, passionate and not-knowing stance towards participant responses (Chan et al.,
Phenomenology is a research philosophy that is involved with exploring and understanding the lived experience of individuals, through focusing on a particular experiential perspective (Finlay, 2012; Savin-Baden & Major, 2013). The lived experience of an individual is revealed by how one perceives and makes sense of an event, process or object (Finlay, 2012). The approach has its origins in the work of Husserl, who emphasises the importance and relevance of focusing on human experience and its perception, rather than the formulation of an objective account (Smith et al., 2013). Later developing this work, Heidegger, a student and admirer of Husserl’s, introduced a hermeneutic perspective to the philosophy of phenomenology, …show more content…
53) terms it, an “insider’s perspective” by exploring how individuals make sense of the world and their relationship to it. IPA also emphasises a pluralistic approach, drawing on the philosophy of hermeneutics: the theory of interpretation (Rennie, 2012; Smith et al., 2013). This is largely influenced by the work of Heidegger, who emphasises the hermeneutic aspect of phenomenological analysis (Smith et al., 2013). While phenomenology seeks to explore and uncover meaning, hermeneutics interprets this meaning (Bäckström & Sundin, 2007; Rennie, 2012). It is the central role of the analyst to facilitate and make sense of how the phenomena are presented (Smith et al., 2013). In this regard, it is recognised that all inquiries start with the analyst’s perspective, which may be influenced by their prior experience (Larkin, Watts & Clifton, 2006). Rather than setting these preconceptions aside in advance, the analyst is encouraged to adopt a “sensitive and responsive” approach that allows their preconceptions to be adjusted by the data (Larkin et al., 2006, p. 108; Smith et al., 2013). Here, a reflective practice is crucial as one may not be aware of their preconceptions in advance of the analysis (Finlay, 2009; Pietkiewicz & Smith, 2014; Smith et al., 2013). Smith et al. (2013, p. 35) emphasise the “positive processes of engaging with the participant more than the process of …show more content…
However, there are some who question whether this is possible or even desirable (Blaikie, 2007; Finlay, 2009). Heidegger expressed phenomenology as being an interpretative activity with preconceptions constantly influencing the process of bracketing. This, therefore, leads to the proviso that bracketing must be undertaken as a dynamic and cyclical process that may only ever be partially achieved (Smith et al., 2013). Blaikie (2007) argues that there is no such thing as ‘pure’ induction or deduction, such that inductive researchers will always generate and interpret their data based on assumptions made deductively from prior work in the field. Considering this, I have opted to make use of a reflexive diary in order to bring into awareness my own preconceptions (Biggerstaff & Thompson, 2008; Chan, Fung & Chien, 2013; Finlay, 2008; Pringle et al., 2011). Other important steps will involve adopting an open-ended, passionate and not-knowing stance towards participant responses (Chan et al.,