1. Tensions and Contradictions
The main tensions and contradictions in the area of Phenomenological Research are summarized in the following four categories:
Husserl vs Heideggarian
Grouping Subjects
Various “Steps” to Approach Analysis
Ethical considerations

2. Husserl vs Heideggar Transcendental Approach Direct Approach
Detached Observer
Observes in at attempt to get inside subjects head
Focus on encouraging subjects to reflect
Purpose is to reflect participant’s understandings
Subjective and objective
Rational Thinking
Hermeneutic Approach
Indirect Approach
Connected and Involved Observer
Focus on Shared Experiences
Field notes capture unreflective activity
Uses everyday Language
Abandoned subjectivity and objectivity
Intuitive Thinking

3. Subject Grouping The grouping of subjects is controversial.
Husserl believed it was not possible to group individual experiences together as each was unique.
Many others group subjects to make conclusions on a group of subjects involved in the research with an attempt to categorize subjects into different “boxes”.

4. Steps
Various researchers approach phenomenology with different steps towards their research.
A Phenomenological Case Study of A Principal Leadership
Step 1- Includes stating the problem or purpose of the study while expressing limitations of the study.
Step 2- Review the literature in relation to the research that you will explore.
Step 3- Design your research including data collection methods, data management, and summarizing data.
Step 4- State purpose of research and express demographics involved in the research.
Step 5- Discuss conclusions and recommendations for further study.

5. Steps (cont.) A Phenomenology of Teaching With Laptop Computers
Step 1- Introduce the background information including stating the problem, describing the purpose and significance of the study.
Step 2- Review the Literature including and use it to choose a desired methodology.
Step 3- Investigate the phenomenon by observing and exploring.
Step 4- Make conclusions and recommendations for further research.

6. Critiques of Phenomenology
Its difficult to be free from your own personal bias.
Inconsistencies exist, not all approaches follow the proven theories. Often the listed theory approach is not actualized.
It’s a method of description only, does not always explain or analyze results.
The relationship of objective and subjectivity.
The resemblance between particular objects is dishonest because its tough to make conclusion from subjects of different class
“All that is general, learned, everything achieved by culture is nothing but the detour we must take in order to bring the immediate to focus.”-Ortega Gasset

7. Critiques (cont.)
Questions on whether we can truly understand what another person is thinking and feeling.
Difficulties relation to people of other sex, culture, or class.
In education, many researchers avoid phenomenology because of the amount of time that it takes to complete research properly (similar to the first case study)
Relies heavily on the use of language in explanation (ie: “the girls cheeks were like a rose”)

8. Top 10 Resources
1. A nice overview of what phenomenology is (Flood plus Knack article provide more complete basic overview):
- Flood, A. (2010). Understanding Phenomenology: Anne Flood looks at the theory and methods involved in phenomenological research. 7(9), Nurse Researcher
2. Another overview of phenomenological research (touches on things the Flood article misses):
- Knaack, P. (1984). Phenomenological Research 6(107), Western Journal of Nursing Research doi: /
3. Reviews some of the ethical considerations involved in phenomenology:
- Walker, W. (2007). Ethical Considerations in Phenomenological Research; Wendy walker examines some important ethical issues that researcher need to consider before and during phenomenological research. 36(10), Nurse Research

9. Top 10 Resources (cont)
4. The author was a professor of educational research and the founder of several educational journals.
-Somekh, Bridget & Lewin Cathy. "Theory and Methods in Social Research" (2011)Sage publications, Los Angeles. Text.
5. Discusses practical solutions in developing protocols for real life research problems.
-O'Leary, Zina. "The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project." (2010)Sage publications, Los Angeles. Text
6. The author focuses on the differences between Hermeneutic Phenomenology and more traditional forms. The author works at the University of Calgary.
-Laverty, Susann, M. "Hermeneutic Phenomenology and Phenomenology: A Comparison of
Historical and Methodological Consideration," International Journal of Qualitative Study, (2003). Retrieved on February 16, 2012.

10. Top 10 Resources (Cont) Case Studies:
7. A Phenomenology of Teaching with Laptop Computers: A Case Study Though the Eyes of the Trainer. 1999,
8. A Phenomenology Case Study of a Principal Leadership (OUTSTANDING- Lean on Me)
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11. Top 10 Resources (cont)
-General websites focused on a wide variety of Phenomenology topics

12. -Hopefully your not the lady in this video….hopefully you are not the other guy either!
Any questions? -What are the pros and cons of using Phenomenology as a research method in education?