Lived Observations

Abstract

As researchers in palliative care, we recognize how involvement with seriously ill and dying persons has an impact on us. Using one's own senses, emotional and bodily responses in observations might open intersubjective dimensions of the research topic. The aim of the article is to highlight how phenomenological theories on intersubjectivity can be useful to develop rich and transparent data generation and analysis. We present three field note examples from observation in a hospice ward, which illuminate how researcher awareness of aspects of intersubjectivity can add valuable insights to data and analysis. Out of the examples, we elaborate on three arguments: (a) how the researcher's lived experience of time and space during fieldwork triggers new research questions, (b) how observations as an embodied activity can bring new insights and open new layers of meaning, and (c) the value of observations in gaining insight into relational aspects in a hospice.

Insights into Architects’ Future Roles in Off-Site Construction

“…Phenomenological research seeks to understand people's perceptions, perspectives, and understandings of a particular situation (or phenomenon). It is well documented that insider experience is crucial to understanding a community (Thoresen and Öhlén, 2015). A first-person perspective has been provided via reflections of the first-named author's personal experiences (Sloan and Bowe, 2014;Van Manen, 1997).…”

“…Improved design tools, better engineering solutions and simpler controls and specifications need to be developed. Nawi, Lee and Nor, (2011) concluded that traditional approaches lead to barriers between designers, contractors and manufacturers and may result in errors and sloppy work (Thanoon et al, 2003). This necessitates the redesign of plans and working drawings resulting in additional costs and time (Hamid et.…”

The Influence of Place on Everyday Life: Observations of Persons with Dementia in Regular Day Care and at the Green Care Farm

“…Participant observation, non-participant observation, and informal conversations were used to explore the cultural influences and interactions between day care services environments, participants, and staff [27]. In order to grasp a holistic frame of the physical and social environment (embodied and emplaced knowledge), we also included the sensory environment in our observations, with attention to sensory perception and one's own embodied experience [28] [29]. For instance, as researchers, we could sense a feeling of waiting for something to happen.…”

Why does SEPR publish people’s COVID-19 experience, observations, and reflections?

“…It is a commonplace that personal observations and reflections deserve to be shared and preserved if and when they provide new and nuanced insights useful to others [for general references with examples, see Mark 2015 ; Thoresen and Öhlén 2015 ; Yoshiaki 2015 , among others]. Further, an individual’s observations and reflections based on his/her firsthand compassion and collaboration experience during the COVID-19 pandemic are not just mental, spiritual and intellectual assets for personal growth and flourishing.…”

“…They can also trigger intriguing yet profound questions prompting oneself or others to search for novel insights (Hayek 1952 , pp. 18–19); if following through, people may most likely find deeper, more systematic answers to the questions raised ( Ibid ., p. 19), and thus “open new layers of knowledge” (Thoresen and Öhlén 2015 , p. 1593).…”