From Uncomfortable Squirm to Self-Discovery: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Bracketing Experience

Abstract

Bracketing (also called epoche) is fundamental in phenomenological philosophy and is a widely recognized practice in phenomenological and other qualitative research methodologies. Bracketing definitions, types, and procedures still generate debate among contemporary phenomenological methodologists and other qualitative researchers. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the dialogue about the topic of bracketing with empirical research on one of its forms. In this study, we analyzed self-reflection reports of doctoral students who had engaged in a bracketing interview and subsequent group analysis. Our results show that the bracketing process can be an educational and revelatory experience for the novice researcher including heightening awareness of their presuppositions and other commonly discussed benefits in the literature. An unanticipated finding includes the powerful effect of bracketing as a springboard to developing a researcher identity. Being understood and validated by the research group was a unique experience for participants that helped to dispel student feelings of being an impostor and/or inadequately prepared to conduct doctoral research. Implications for improving the bracketing process for novice researchers include clear communication prior to bracketing and explicit instruction on research journaling.

Accompaniment to the promotion of life projects of HIV-positive young people. A complex qualitative study

“…Lo descrito anteriormente fue necesario debido a la alta carga emocional que generó el estudio, las dificultades para mantener un alto estándar de objetividad y confiabilidad, así como el impacto de mantener el proceso de separación de la realidad (bracketing) ejecutado por esta autora durante la primera fase, de ahí que esta fuese auxiliada en la trascripción y procesamiento inicial por el autor 4. Esta decisión se tomó a partir del estudio profundo de las recomendaciones brindadas por expertos en la materia, no solo por los beneficios prácticos y su aporte a la confiabilidad de los resultados investigativos, sino por propósitos relacionados con el propio bienestar del investigador y el mejor procesamiento de las experiencias empáticas (Dörfler y Stierand, 2021;Sinfield et al, 2023;Stolz, 2020;Thomas y Sohn, 2023).…”

Phenomenography: A useful methodology for midwifery research

“…Additionally worthy of consideration is the concept of bracketing in respect to phenomenographic research. Bracketing is considered fundamental within phenomenological research and a widely recognized practice within other qualitative research approaches (Thomas & Sohn, 2023). It is not one without controversy though (Dörfler & Stierand, 2021), as bracketing requires the researchers to set aside their personal knowledge, presuppositions, and assumptions and separate them from what is observed in the research process; this is a highly contestable concept as true detachment from our consciousness cannot actually be achieved nor should it be desirable (Thomas & Sohn, 2023).…”