The empirical-phenomenological research framework: Reflecting on its use

Abstract

Background and objective: Descriptive phenomenology when used within the tradition of Husserl offers the qualitative researcher a unique perspective into the lived experience of the phenomena in question. Methods of data analysis are often seen as the theoretical framework for which these studies are then focused. However, what is not realised is that the data analysis tool is merely that a tool for which to delineate the individual narratives. What is often missing is a research framework for which to structure the actual study. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to offer a reflective account of how the empirical-phenomenological framework shaped and informed a descriptive phenomenological study looking at the lived experience of male nursing students as they journey though the under-graduate nursing programme. Methods: A reflective narrative was used to examine and explore how the empirical-phenomenological framework can be used to support method construction within a descriptive phenomenological study. Results and conclusions: The empirical-phenomenological research framework aims to provide a practical method for understanding and valuing the range and depth of descriptive phenomenology, in particular the lived experience. Used in combination with specific phenomenological data analysis models the empirical-phenomenological framework is structured to support the qualitative research process.

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“…The data analysis derived provided an understanding and value for the range and depth of descriptive phenomenology, in particular, the lived experience of the participants (Christensen, 2017). This study's quantitative findings were able to complement data that arose from the qualitative themes to provide a more comprehensive understanding of theme implications.…”

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“…We then provide a narrative summary of AYA's responses about intervention limitations and ways to improve. Because empirical phenomenology aims to describe the lived experience (as expressed in the now), we report results using present verb tense (Christensen, 2017). I: We really are interested in hearing how this whole experience was for you in general, but then also how the experience was for you by session, and so forth like that.…”

“…The research method for this study was empirical phenomenology, which aims to describe commonalities of lived experiences across individuals (Christensen, 2017). Based on the work of German philosopher Edmund Husserl, empirical phenomenology is characterized by "an attitude of openness for whatever is significant for the proper understanding of the phenomena" (Giorgi, 1970, p.9) and is achieved by the researcher focusing on the phenomenon as initially described by individuals and without consideration of previous knowledge, other perspectives, or prejudice (Tymieniecka, 1962).…”

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“…The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25 was used for demographic data (Apesoa-Varano and Hinton, 2013). The recorded narrative qualitative data was collected using the Giorgi's phenomenological framework (Christensen andPractice, 2017, Giorgi, 2012), and transcribed verbatim, read through thoroughly and coded for thematic analysis for step-wideness (Krippendorff, 2004, Mayring, 2015, Patton, 1990. The transcripts were cross-checked with the records, and meaning units corresponding to the study objective extracted, coded, grouped in subcategories and thematic categories following the deductive technique, and substantiated by quotes (Kuckartz, 2012).…”