Issues in phenomenology for researchers of nursing

Abstract

Nursing today, with its individualistic approach to care, shares many of its underlying beliefs and values with the school of philosophical thought known as phenomenology. The research method derived from phenomenology considers that the true meaning of phenomena can only be explored through the experience of them as described by the individual. This paper explores the features of phenomenology as a research method in relation to its relevance for nursing by first discussing the philosophical underpinnings of the method, and then proceeding to an examination of the features of the method with relation to research design, and data analysis. The specific issues of validity and generalizability are developed further, with reference to the criticisms levelled at the phenomenological method from the alternative quantitative paradigm. Finally, the author discusses the relevance of phenomenology for nursing, and concludes that, as a research method within the qualitative paradigm, it has a great deal to offer nursing as a humanistic discipline.

Planned Adolescent Pregnancy: Themes Related to the Pregnancy

“…Philosopher Edmund Husserl (1859e1938) believed that phenomena could not be separated from one's experience of them; therefore, a phenomenon is best accessed through descriptions in a person's own words (Jasper, 1994). Bracketing, the process of putting aside preconceived For some adolescents, pregnancy provided an opportunity to heal past childhood wounds if appropriate psychological services were provided.…”

“…Bracketing, the process of putting aside preconceived For some adolescents, pregnancy provided an opportunity to heal past childhood wounds if appropriate psychological services were provided. Planned Adolescent Pregnancy: Themes Related to the Pregnancy biases about the phenomenon, is essential in Husserlian phenomenology (Jasper, 1994) and was done to maintain integrity in this study.…”

“…Phenomenological research methods are used to gain an understanding of the meaning an experience has for the population under study (Jasper, 1994). Philosopher Edmund Husserl (1859e1938) believed that phenomena could not be separated from one's experience of them; therefore, a phenomenon is best accessed through descriptions in a person's own words (Jasper, 1994).…”

Using case study research as a rigorous form of inquiry

“…Implicit in the process is abiding by the research protocol, following the same steps in each learning environment and carrying out the methods in the same fashion. Stating all parameters for the research area and 'being true to the data' gives validity to the work (Jasper 1994).…”

Understanding the "lived Experience" of Sport Event Volunteers: Using the Hermeneutic Circle as a Guiding Conceptual Framework

“…Again, there seems to be a divide among scholars; for example, Van Manen (1997) did not advocate any particular methods or methodologies for hermeneutic phenomenology. In comparison, Jasper (1994) recommended methods that allow the research participants to provide an account of their lived experiences in a spontaneous way such as audiotaped interviews, group discussion, or diaries. MerleauPonty (1956), who is a follower of existentialist phenomenology that combines phenomenological description, reduction, and interpretation, added more artistic methods such as poetry, art, or photography through which the meanings of experiences may be accessed, in consideration of the analysis of the collected data.…”