Asking chatgpt to explain how phenomenology could inform a research project: a note for Housing Studies students

Asking chatgpt to explain how phenomenology could inform a research project: a note for Housing Studies students

The following ism my dialogue with the assistant bot (a version of chatgpt accessed via poe.com) on the topic of home ownership in Housing Studies.

Finding 1

My first query is: "I am a researcher in Housing Studies. I am interested in learning how to employ phenomenology in my research work. First of all, could you kindly brief me what are the main underlying ideas of phenomenology?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Certainly! Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that focuses on understanding the lived experiences and subjective perspectives of individuals or groups. The main underlying ideas of phenomenology are:

Lived Experience: Phenomenology emphasizes the importance of understanding the subjective, first-hand experiences of research participants. It seeks to explore how people make sense of their world and the meanings they ascribe to their experiences.

Intentionality: Phenomenology posits that consciousness is always directed towards an object or experience (known as intentionality). It aims to understand the intentional relationship between the conscious mind and the phenomena being investigated.

Reduction: Phenomenology advocates for a process of "reduction," where the researcher attempts to set aside or "bracket" their own preconceptions, biases, and assumptions about the phenomenon being studied. This allows for a more open and unbiased exploration of the participants' experiences.

Essence and Meaning: Phenomenology seeks to uncover the essential or universal characteristics of a phenomenon, as well as the deeper meanings and significance that research participants attach to their experiences.

Intersubjectivity: Phenomenology acknowledges that the researcher and the research participants are both part of the social world, and that their interactions and interpretations contribute to the co-construction of meaning.

In the context of housing studies, a phenomenological approach could be used to explore the lived experiences of individuals or groups in relation to their housing conditions, neighborhood environments, sense of home, or housing challenges. This could involve in-depth interviews, observations, and a focus on the subjective perceptions and meanings that participants ascribe to their housing experiences.

The key principles of phenomenology that could guide your housing research include: a focus on the lived experiences of research participants, an attempt to set aside preconceptions, an emphasis on understanding the deeper meanings and essences of housing phenomena, and an acknowledgment of the intersubjective nature of the research process."

Finding 2

My second query is: "Tks for your clarification. If I adopt phenomenology in my research project to study the generation Y's knowledge of home ownership in Hong Kong and employ in-depth interview research and desk research, what would my research plan be like?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Alright, let's outline a potential research plan for a phenomenological study on Generation Y's knowledge of home ownership in Hong Kong:

Research Aim:

To explore the lived experiences and perspectives of Generation Y individuals in Hong Kong regarding their knowledge and perceptions of home ownership.

Research Objectives:

To understand how members of Generation Y in Hong Kong define, conceptualize, and make sense of the concept of home ownership.

To investigate the key factors that shape Generation Y's knowledge and attitudes towards home ownership in the Hong Kong context.

To identify the challenges and barriers that Generation Y individuals in Hong Kong perceive in relation to home ownership.

To explore the meanings, values, and aspirations that Generation Y associates with home ownership in Hong Kong.

Methodology:

In-Depth Interviews:

Conduct one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 15-20 Hong Kong residents belonging to Generation Y (born between 1980-1996).

Use open-ended questions to encourage participants to share their personal narratives, lived experiences, and subjective perspectives on home ownership.

Explore topics such as participants' understanding of home ownership, their housing experiences, aspirations, obstacles, and the broader socioeconomic context.

Focus on eliciting rich, descriptive data that captures the essence and meanings of home ownership for the participants.

Desk Research:

Review relevant literature on housing policies, home ownership trends, and socioeconomic factors affecting housing in Hong Kong.

Analyze statistical data and reports on home ownership rates, affordability, and housing market dynamics among the Generation Y population in Hong Kong.

Examine media coverage, government publications, and academic research related to the challenges and perceptions of home ownership for young adults in Hong Kong.

Data Analysis:

Transcribe and thoroughly review the interview data to identify key themes, patterns, and meanings.

Employ phenomenological analysis techniques, such as horizon analysis and imaginative variation, to uncover the essential structures and lived experiences of home ownership for the participants.

Integrate the findings from the in-depth interviews with the insights gained from the desk research to develop a comprehensive understanding of Generation Y's knowledge and perspectives on home ownership in Hong Kong.

Expected Outcomes:

A deeper understanding of how Generation Y individuals in Hong Kong conceptualize and make sense of home ownership.

Insights into the key factors, both personal and contextual, that shape Generation Y's knowledge, attitudes, and aspirations towards home ownership.

Identification of the perceived challenges and barriers that hinder Generation Y's access to home ownership in Hong Kong.

Exploration of the meanings, values, and emotional significance that Generation Y associates with home ownership in the Hong Kong context.

Recommendations for policymakers, housing authorities, and other stakeholders to address the housing needs and concerns of the Generation Y population in Hong Kong."

Finding 3

My third query is: "What specific themes should I focus on during the interviews with participants?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "When conducting the phenomenological interviews with Generation Y participants in Hong Kong, here are some key themes you could focus on:

Understanding of Home Ownership:

How do participants define and conceptualize the idea of home ownership?

What does home ownership mean to them personally?

What values, emotions, and aspirations do they associate with home ownership?

Housing Experiences:

Participants' past and current housing situations (e.g., living with parents, renting, co-living, etc.)

Challenges and barriers they have faced or are currently facing in accessing home ownership.

Coping strategies and alternative housing solutions they have explored.

Knowledge and Perceptions of the Housing Market:

Participants' understanding of housing prices, mortgage requirements, and other financial aspects of home ownership.

Perceived affordability of home ownership and the ability to save for a down payment.

Sources of information and knowledge about the housing market and home ownership.

Socioeconomic Factors:

The impact of broader economic conditions, such as income levels, job security, and cost of living, on participants' housing prospects.

The role of government policies, housing programs, and social welfare in enabling or hindering home ownership for Generation Y.

The influence of cultural norms, family expectations, and social pressures on participants' housing decisions and aspirations.

Future Outlook and Alternatives:

Participants' short-term and long-term housing plans and goals.

Viable alternatives to home ownership that they are considering or pursuing (e.g., renting, co-living, tiny homes, etc.).

Their perspectives on the future of home ownership and housing affordability in Hong Kong.

By focusing on these themes, you can gain a rich, contextual understanding of how Generation Y individuals in Hong Kong make sense of home ownership, the challenges they face, and the meanings they ascribe to their housing experiences and aspirations.

Remember to keep an open and empathetic approach during the interviews, allowing participants to share their stories and perspectives in their own words. This will help you uncover the essential structures and lived experiences that are central to the phenomenological approach."

Finding 4

My four query is: "What ethical considerations should I keep in mind during the interviews?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "When conducting phenomenological interviews on the topic of home ownership with Generation Y participants in Hong Kong, there are several important ethical considerations to keep in mind:

Informed Consent:

Ensure that all participants fully understand the purpose of the study and provide their voluntary and informed consent to participate.

Clearly explain the interview process, data collection, and how the information will be used and protected.

Allow participants to withdraw from the study at any time without any consequences.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

Protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants by using pseudonyms or codes to anonymize their identities.

Securely store all data and transcripts, and limit access to only the research team.

Obtain permission before using any personal information or quotes in the research findings.

Emotional Sensitivity:

Be mindful that discussing housing and financial challenges may be a sensitive topic for some participants, potentially evoking feelings of stress, frustration, or vulnerability.

Approach the interviews with empathy and emotional intelligence, and be prepared to provide support or referrals if participants become distressed.

Respect participants' boundaries and avoid pressing them to share information they are not comfortable disclosing.

Power Dynamics:

Acknowledge the potential power imbalance between the researcher and the participants, and work to create a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environment.

Avoid making assumptions or imposing your own biases and experiences on the participants' narratives.

Empower participants to share their stories in their own words and on their own terms.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Familiarize yourself with the cultural and social norms, values, and beliefs that may shape the participants' perspectives on home ownership in the Hong Kong context.

Adapt your communication style and interview approach to be respectful and responsive to the participants' cultural backgrounds.

Be mindful of any cultural taboos or sensitivities related to housing, finances, or personal experiences.

Beneficence and Non-Maleficence:

Ensure that your research design and methods do not cause any harm or undue distress to the participants.

Consider the potential benefits and risks of the study, and strive to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks for the participants.

Provide participants with appropriate support or resources if they express needs or concerns during the interview process.

By addressing these ethical considerations throughout the research process, you can help create a safe, respectful, and meaningful experience for the participants, while upholding the principles of phenomenological inquiry."

Some overall evaluation comments

The replies from the assistant bot is able to explain concisely the topic of phenomenology with regard to the realm of Housing Studies.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.