Methodological support for the further abstraction of and philosophical examination of empirical findings in the context of caring science

Abstract

Phenomena in caring science are often complex and laden with meanings. Empirical research with the aim of capturing lived experiences is one way of revealing the complexity. Sometimes, however, results from empirical research need to be further discussed. One way is to further abstract the result and/or philosophically examine it. This has previously been performed and presented in scientific journals and doctoral theses, contributing to a greater understanding of phenomena in caring science. Although the intentions in many of these publications are laudable, the lack of methodological descriptions as well as a theoretical and systematic foundation can contribute to an ambiguity concerning how the results have emerged during the analysis. The aim of this paper is to describe the methodological support for the further abstraction of and/or philosophical examination of empirical findings. When trying to systematize the support procedures, we have used a reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Based on the assumptions in RLR, this article will present methodological support for a theoretical examination that can include two stages. In the first stage, data from several (two or more) empirical results on an essential level are synthesized into a general structure. Sometimes the analysis ends with the general structure, but sometimes there is a need to proceed further. The second stage can then be a philosophical examination, in which the general structure is discussed in relation to a philosophical text, theory, or concept. It is important that the theories are brought in as the final stage after the completion of the analysis. Core dimensions of the described methodological support are, in accordance with RLR, openness, bridling, and reflection. The methodological support cannot be understood as fixed stages, but rather as a guiding light in the search for further meanings.

Sexuality and childbearing as it is experienced by women living with HIV in Sweden: a lifeworld phenomenological study

“…The reflective lifeworld approach contains methodological principles as openness, flexibility and bridling (Lindberg, Österberg, & Höreberg, 2016). According to Dahlberg et al (2008), bridling is a methodological principle where the researchers need to embody a phenomenological attitude, which means adopting an openness and flexibility towards the explored phenomenon.…”

Thoughts of creation and the discipline of nursing

“…This study is a second analysis using a hermeneutical approach (Lindberg, Österberg, & Hörberg, 2016). It is based on a research question concerning data derived from a previous, larger Norwegian empirical study which used a hermeneutical research design (Taylor, 1999) with the aim of interpreting what is of significance for remaining in nursing practice (Kristoffersen, 2013).…”

A lifeworld phenomenological study of the experience of living within ageing skin

“…We take these philosophically informed aspects into account, because human existence concerns a complex variety of intertwined dimensions, it is important to note and unfold these, to make an additional "reflective move" and to further examine the findings in the context of the lifeworld in hand with relevant empirical research literature. Lindberg et al (2016) make a case for further examination of findings in the light of philosophical ideas. Therefore, the following discussion is organised according to some key philosophical touchstones, the body object; sense of self and identity and temporality with the aim of shining further light on the meanings of living within ageing skin in relation to existential aspects of ageing.…”

“…Lindberg et al. () make a case for further examination of findings in the light of philosophical ideas. Therefore, the following discussion is organised according to some key philosophical touchstones, the body object; sense of self and identity and temporality with the aim of shining further light on the meanings of living within ageing skin in relation to existential aspects of ageing.…”

“…In this process, the concrete and lived experience shared in the interviews was transformed into a phenomenological description of the experience of living with an ever-ageing skin. The researcher, as a nurse researcher in skin health, adopted a bridled approach to the data analysis (see also example from Lindberg, Österberg, & Hörberg, 2016). That is, existing professional and theoretical frameworks were set aside and the process of understanding was consciously slowed down, to avoid premature assumptions about what had been said (Dahlberg, Todres, & Galvin, 2009).…”