Bracketing – practical considerations in Husserlian phenomenological research

Abstract

Nursing research leans heavily towards naturalism, with phenomenology commonly adopted. The three main schools of phenomenology used are Husserl's descriptive approach, Heidegger's interpretive hermeneutic approach and the Dutch Utrecht School of phenomenology which combines characteristics of both. Husserl's approach--the description of ordinary human experiences as perceived by each individual--involves four main steps: bracketing, intuiting, analysing and describing. Many phenomenological nurse researchers consciously decide to adopt a Heideggerian approach because of the perceived difficulties in achieving bracketing. This paper examines the concept of bracketing (epoché) and outlines some of the practical considerations when attempting to achieve it.

The experiences of parents and nurses of hospitalised infants requiring oxygen therapy for severe bronchiolitis

“…Written notes were made during the interviews and used to inform data analysis. 'Bracketing' was employed (Hamill and Sinclair, 2010), in that the interviewer made a deliberate effort to set aside personal views and assumptions, as well as exploring fully her position in regard to her stance on the phenomenon of interest prior to commencing data collection. In addition, a reflective journal was maintained throughout data collection, which enabled identification of 'bias'.…”

Transcendental Method for Research with Human Subjects

“…Such an interpretation of bracketing appears to be prevalent in the research literature. Hamill and Sinclair (2010), following Priest's description, state, ''In phenomenological research, brackets are used to temporarily hold in abeyance the foreknowledge of the researcher'' (p. 17).…”

Disgust, shame and the psychosocial impact of skin picking: Evidence from an online support forum

“…Personal therapy was used throughout data collection and analysis to increase researcher reflexivity, helping to suspend presuppositions and allow a more representative description of participants' reality. Writing of the literature review was delayed until after analysis, helping to reduce the impact of researcher preconceptions (Hamill & Sinclair, 2010). Given the scarcity of qualitative data discussing the nature of picking behaviours, we begin by providing some contextual discussion of the experience of skin picking.…”