1.6 Phenomenology | Qualitative Methods | Philosophy of Qualitative Research | UvA

Summary

This video explores phenomenology, a foundational philosophy of qualitative research that seeks to understand the essence of human experiences. Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, phenomenology emphasizes subjective and intuitive understanding of phenomena, conscious experience, and empathy. The video outlines the three key methods—description, contextual interpretation, and form analysis—used to study lived experiences. It also explains core concepts like bracketing, first-order constructs, and second-order constructs, highlighting Alfred Schutz's application of phenomenology to social life. Overall, the video illustrates how phenomenology provides a rigorous framework for analyzing experiences while transcending everyday assumptions and perceptions.

Takeaways

• 📚 Phenomenology originated in late 19th to early 20th century German-speaking countries and was developed by philosophers like Husserl, Scheler, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty.
• 🔍 The core goal of phenomenology is to grasp the pure meaning of a phenomenon subjectively and intuitively.
• 🧠 Phenomenology emphasizes studying **conscious experience**—how people are aware of and experience phenomena in their daily lives.
• 🤝 Some phenomenologists, like Edith Stein, argue that understanding others requires empathy, while others include logic in the process.
• 📖 Phenomenology forms a foundation for many qualitative research approaches, including ethnomethodology, ethnophenomenology, and phenomenography.
• ✍️ The three main methods of phenomenological interpretation are: pure description of lived experience, contextual interpretation, and analysis of the form of the experience.
• 🛑 Bracketing is central in phenomenology; it involves suspending assumptions about the natural world to focus on the phenomenon's essence.
• 👥 Alfred Schütz applied phenomenology to social life, showing that people act as if the world is natural and follow social typifications.
• 🧩 First-order constructs are everyday typifications used by laypeople, while second-order constructs are used by researchers to go beyond appearances using theory and bracketing.
• 💡 Phenomenology balances subjective understanding with analytical rigor, combining empathy, intuition, and structured interpretation to study human experiences.

Q & A

What is phenomenology in the context of qualitative research?

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that seeks to understand the essence and pure meaning of a phenomenon as experienced subjectively and intuitively by individuals. In qualitative research, it emphasizes the conscious experience of people and how they perceive and interpret their world.

Who were some of the key philosophers behind phenomenology?

Key philosophers include Edmund Husserl, who is considered the founder, along with other influential figures like Martin Heidegger, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Edith Stein.

What does phenomenology aim to achieve?

Phenomenology aims to grasp the pure meaning of a phenomenon in its essence, focusing on how individuals experience and interpret the world consciously, subjectively, and intuitively.

How does phenomenology differ from other philosophical approaches?

Unlike traditional metaphysical or abstract philosophies, phenomenology emphasizes **subjective experience** and tries to uncover the essence of phenomena as they are perceived by individuals, rather than exploring objective or external reality.

What is the role of 'bracketing' in phenomenology?

Bracketing refers to the act of setting aside preconceived beliefs or natural assumptions about the world to focus purely on the essence of a phenomenon. By suspending judgments, researchers can analyze experiences more clearly without being influenced by external biases.

How do phenomenologists interpret lived experiences?

Phenomenologists interpret lived experiences through three main steps: 1) **Description** of the experience itself, 2) **Interpretation** by placing the experience in a broader context, and 3) **Analysis** of how this experience manifests across different individuals or situations.

Can you provide an example of how phenomenology works in practice?

An example is the experience of losing a pet. A phenomenologist would describe the loss in a pure, unaltered way (description), compare it to the loss of other beings or animals (interpretation), and then analyze how different people experience loss (analysis).

What are 'first-order constructs' in phenomenology?

First-order constructs are the typical, everyday responses and interpretations that people use when interacting with the world, such as offering condolences when someone’s pet dies. These responses are based on social norms and natural perceptions.

What are 'second-order constructs' and how do they differ from first-order constructs?

Second-order constructs are the analytical concepts used by social scientists to interpret and understand the social world. These constructs go beyond everyday perceptions by applying theory and using bracketing and doubt to look beyond natural assumptions.

How does phenomenology influence qualitative research methods?

Phenomenology has a profound influence on various qualitative research methods, giving rise to approaches such as ethnomethodology, ethnophenomenology, and phenomenography. It provides a framework for deeply exploring human experiences and understanding the meanings individuals attach to phenomena.