A brief teaching note on the phenomenological approach as a research methodology: for MBA and Housing Studies students

A brief teaching note on the phenomenological approach as a research methodology: for MBA and Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly highlight the main ideas of the phenomenological approach as a research methodology in social science with regard to the following topics: (1) favored research philosophy, (2) favored research approach(es) (both on (i) the research methods (i.e. quantitative, qualitative mixed methods) and (ii) the reasoning approaches (i.e. inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning).) (3) favored research method design techniques, (4) favored research method design quality criteria, (5) favored data analysis techniques, and (6) favored researcher's impression management approach in conducting the phenomenological approach."

The reply: "The phenomenological approach in social science research is primarily qualitative, emphasizing the study of lived experiences to uncover the essence or universal structure of a phenomenon. Key points for each topic are as follows:

1. Favored research philosophy:

   • Phenomenology is based on the philosophical foundation of Husserl’s transcendental phenomenology and later interpretations (e.g., Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty).

   • It assumes that truth exists within individual lived experiences and focuses on the internal reality constructed by human perception influenced by culture, history, and language.

   • The approach rejects objective external reality in favor of subjective meanings derived from consciousness and experience.

2. Favored research approach(es):

   • Method: Qualitative methods dominate, including descriptive and interpretive phenomenology.

   • Reasoning: Primarily inductive and abductive reasoning are favored to develop insights from participants’ lived experiences rather than testing hypotheses deductively.

3. Favored research method design techniques:

   • Designs involve flexible, responsive, and improvised data collection methods tailored to engaging deeply with participants’ subjective accounts.

   • Researchers bracket (set aside) preconceived notions to focus on the immediate lived experience.

   • Techniques include in-depth interviews, participant observations, and iterative reflective analysis to capture essence.

4. Favored research method design quality criteria:

   • Emphasis on rigor through trustworthy, rich, multilayered descriptions of experience.

   • Credibility is achieved by authentic dialogue with participants and systematic interaction.

   • Transparency in bracketing researcher biases and clearly linking findings to participants’ accounts are critical.

5. Favored data analysis techniques:

   • Reflective phenomenological analysis, which involves synthesizing descriptions to identify essential themes and meanings.

   • The analysis often is iterative, moving between parts and the whole descriptions to develop a comprehensive understanding.

   • Emphasis on preserving the integrity of subjective meanings rather than quantification.

6. Favored researcher’s impression management approach:

   • Researchers adopt a stance of openness, humility, and reflexivity to manage impressions.

   • Active bracketing of biases and assumptions to avoid imposing external interpretations.

   • Engagement with participants is dialogic and empathetic, fostering trust and facilitating authentic data sharing.

In summary, the phenomenological approach in social science research is a qualitative, inductive method grounded in a philosophy that prioritizes understanding subjective lived experience, employing flexible designs and reflexive, layered analysis to authentically capture human meaning."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.