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Which study type is that? A guide to study types

Study and experiment types for Health Sciences and Medicine

Phenomenological study


A phenomenological study is a qualitative research approach that seeks to explore and understand individuals' lived experiences and the meaning they assign to those experiences. The methodology originates from phenomenology, a philosophical movement founded by Edmund Husserl which emphasizes the direct examination of phenomena as they are perceived by consciousness, without the application of preconceived assumptions by the observer (van Manen, 2021).

phenomenological study

 

Key Characteristics

Focus on Lived Experiences: The goal is to capture how people experience a phenomenon from their personal perspective. This couldl be about anything from illness, grief, or joy to a specific event, life transition or situation.
 

Data Collection: Typically, the data is gathered through in-depth interviews, discussions, or observations, where participants describe their feelings, thoughts, and perceptions about a phenomenon.
 

Interpretation: The data is analysed to identify themes and patterns while aiming explore in detail the experiences of the participants.  "Phenomenological reduction" is a method used to uncover the core meaning of these experiences.
 

Bracketing is a feature of phenomenological study involving the deliberate process of 'setting aside' the researcher's own biases to ensure that participants' perspectives are captured.
 

Sample Size: Phenomenological studies often use small, purposefully selected cohort sample sizes.
 

Further reading and resources

  • Ayton, D. (2023) Chapter 6: Phenomenology in Ayton, D., Tsindos, T., & Berkovic, D. (2023).  Qualitative research: A practical guide for health and social care researchers and practitioners. Council of Australian University Librarians, Open Educational Resources Collective. Full text
     
  • Holloway, I., & Galvin, K. (2016). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. John Wiley & Sons. Catalogue Link
     
  • Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. SAGE Publications. Catalogue Link
     
  • Neubauer BE, Witkop CT, Varpio L. How phenomenology can help us learn from the experiences of others. Perspect Med Educ. 2019 Apr;8(2):90-97. doi: 10.1007/s40037-019-0509-2 Full text
     
  • Shaw, R., Burton, A., Borg Xuereb, C., Gibson, J., & Lane, D. (2014). Interpretative phenomenological analysis in applied health research. Catalogue Link
     
  • Vagle, M. D. (2024). Crafting phenomenological research. Routledge. Catalogue Link
     
  • Van Manen, M., & van Manen, M. (2021). Doing phenomenological research and writing. Qualitative Health Research31(6), 1069-1082. Full Text

Examples

  • MacArthur, N. D., Kirby, E., & Mowll, J. (2023). Bereavement affinities: A qualitative study of lived experiences of grief and loss. Death Studies47(7), 836-846. Full Text
     
  • Bartoli, D., Trotta, F., Pucciarelli, G., Simeone, S., Miccolis, R., Cappitella, C., ... & Rocco, M. (2022). The lived experiences of family members who visit their relatives in Covid-19 intensive care unit for the first time: A phenomenological study. Heart & Lung54, 49-55. Full Text
     
  • Paque, K., Bastiaens, H., Van Bogaert, P., & Dilles, T. (2018). Living in a nursing home: A phenomenological study exploring residents’ loneliness and other feelings. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences32(4), 1477-1484. Full Text

 

 

 

 


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