June 4, 2011
Phenomenology is a research approach that focuses on the human experience. The phenomenon is studied at the individual level through interviews, observation and participant discussion, and the participants' perceptions of their experiences are the data. Because interviews and observation are subjective data, writing the results of such a study is not formulaic. The organization of the report should flow from the researcher's observations, making each phenomenological write-up a unique narrative.
Step 1
Conduct a thorough read-through of the data sample or population, including interviews, field notes and artifacts or documents to begin deducing themes.Step 2
Make a graphical representation of the data to draw themes. Enter the entire text into a word cloud generator like Wordle, or map sticky notes with key words into groups. Identify common topics, and group the data accordingly.
Step 3
Summarize the findings. Introduce the thematic scheme and describe the data at face value, rather than explain or interpret. If interviews were a primary data source, use direct quotes to illustrate key points, or use illustrative case studies to represent themes.
Step 4
Discuss the findings. Interpret how the data are linked to “the big picture,” the theoretical perspective and previous literature. Theorize about the meaning of the findings, make assumptions and speculate, but be sure to distinguish these from the facts presented in the summary.
Step 5
Conclude with issues and implications of the study. Use your interpretation of the data to suggest further research and make policy recommendations.
References
Stan Lester Developments: An Introduction to Phenomenological Research
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