PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1 11: Qualitative Phenomenological Research

Phenomenology

It is the science of lived experiences of individuals.

Corpus Data

It is referred to the collection of multi-data references.

Steps in Conducting Qualitative Phenomenological Research

1. Identify the research problem

2. Formulate a research title

3. Write research questions

4. Validate developmental questions
   - Ask someone who is a possible participant to see if they have the ability to answer it

5. Research methodology (protocols)
   - Send request letters
   - Send informed consent

Gatekeepers

An individual who has the power to grant or deny permission for a researcher to enter a community, organization, or group to collect data. They qualify the participants based on the inclusion criteria

• E.g.: In a school study regarding the teachers → the principal/vice principal (they control access to teachers).

Central Question

The main, broad question that guides the entire study.

Specific Question

It is a question that is stemmed from the central question and breaks it down into smaller, more focused aspects. 

Developmental Question

Follow-up questions used in the interview.

Informed Consent

It is a standard protocol before conducting the interview to ensure the following:

• The risks and benefits of participation are clearly explained, with an emphasis on the potential benefits.

• The study is not funded and is conducted solely for academic purposes.

• The confidentiality and/or anonymity of participants is strictly maintained.

• Participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.

• No payment or monetary compensation will be provided for participating in the interview.

Interview Protocol

1. Research Preparation

2. Interview Proper

3. Data Transcription & Follow-up

Research Preparation

• The researcher introduces themselves to the participant.

• Researchers must be equipped with necessary materials, such as a voice recorder and a notebook for note-taking.

• The researcher’s contact number and email address will be provided and may be used for further communication if needed.

• The nature, purpose, and possible activities of the interview will be explained clearly to the participant before beginning.

Interview Proper

• The interview will be conducted in a quiet, comfortable environment to reduce noise and distractions.

• Casual conversation will be initiated at the start to establish rapport and create a comfortable, conversational atmosphere.

• The participant will be given an informed consent form and robotfoto to review and sign.

• Name, date, time, and place of the interview are indicated.

• The interview will begin with general, open-ended questions.

• The researcher will listen attentively and ask clarificatory or follow-up questions when necessary.

• The researcher should make the participant feel at ease and encouraged to share openly.

• The researcher should think ahead of the questions so that the conversation will not be interrupted.

• Before ending, the researcher will ask if the participant has any additional information they wish to share.

• The researcher may also ask for other available means of communication (e.g., email, messaging apps) for further clarification if needed.

• Data saturation is reached when the participant’s answers begin to repeat or connect back to previous responses, signaling that no new information is emerging.

Robotfoto

A Dutch term; the photo-like picture drawn from a witness discretion (judgment) of a suspect in a criminal case.

• Profile of the participant.

• Mentioned in data collection & ethical considerations.

Data saturation

It is reached when the participant’s answers begin to repeat or connect back to previous responses, signaling that no new information is emerging. This is a sign to stop the interview.

Data Transcription and Follow-Up

• Create a dedicated and organized file for all interview recordings and notes.

• Transcribe the interview verbatim, ensuring that everything said during the conversation is written exactly as spoken.

• Do not edit or alter the participant’s words during transcription.

• Print copies of the transcription and store them securely (e.g., in a plastic folder).

• If needed, conduct follow-up communication to clarify unclear statements or verify accuracy.

• Maintain an archive of all transcripts and related documents for reference and verification purposes.

Semi-structured Interview

It is a face-to-face interview conducted between the researcher and the participant. This method allows flexibility in asking questions while maintaining focus on the research topic.

• The interview typically lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a maximum duration of 2 to 3 hours.

• This approach is considered a valid and effective way of gathering in-depth qualitative data.

Script Interview

Helps build ease and friendliness with the participants.

Developmental Interview

Involves asking purposeful questions to participants.

Writing Developmental Questions

• Begin with a question that directs participants to their experiences related to the phenomenon.

• Ensure that questions are clear, simple, and easy to understand.

• Align your questions with the central and specific research questions.

• Avoid yes/no questions to encourage descriptive and detailed answers.

• Avoid leading questions that may influence the participant’s response.

Avoid:

• “Do you feel any pressure?”

• “How do you deal with extreme exhaustion?”
  

Instead:

• “How do you deal with the situation?”

• “How can you describe these feelings?”

Purposeful sampling

It is a method widely used in qualitative research for the identification and selection of information-rich cases for the most effective use of limited resources. It involves:

• Identifying and selecting individuals or groups who are especially knowledgeable or experienced with the topic of interest.

• Ensuring participants are available and willing to take part in the study.

• Selecting individuals who can communicate their experiences, opinions, and reflections in an articulate and expressive manner.

No. of Participants

• According to Creswell, the ideal number of participants in qualitative phenomenological research ranges from 3 to 20.

• Morse recommends at least 6 participants.

• The final number of participants is usually determined by the time allotted, available resources, and the objectives of the study.

• The standard in PSD (Philippine School of Doha) is 10 participants, ensuring that gender bias is avoided.

Transcribe

Refers to the process of converting recorded verbal responses into written or printed text for analysis.

Emic

Refers to the participants’ responses/POV

• Includes verbatim fillers such as: um, ahh..

Etic

Refers to converting the responses into the researcher’s naive perceptions/understanding based on the transcribed data.

Cool Analysis

The raw attempt of analyzing the data. It involved reading the text over and over again.

Warm Analysis

Refers to the exhaustion of data analysis where themes may emerge.

Dendrogram

It is used to categorize significant themes in preparation for data analysis.

Coding

The process of categorizing similar themes.

Descriptive Coding

Summarizes data using a single word or short phrase.

In Vivo Coding

Uses exact words or phrases from the participants, especially those that are repeated or emphasized during the interviews.

Holistic Coding

It applies a single code to a large unit in the corpus, rather than detailed coding, to capture a sense of overall contents and the possible categories that may develop.

• Combines both Descriptive and In Vivo approaches.

Member-Checking Procedure

This is done to ensure the validity and trustworthiness of the data.

• Involves objective data analysis through triangulation or quadrangulation.

• Three individuals who are not part of the main group of participants are asked to review the data.

• Focuses on responses that appear unclear or doubtful to the researcher.

• Must be completed before the simulacrum

Simulacrum

It is a visual representation of the themes that will appear in your study.

Triangulation

It is a strategy that involves using multiple data sources, methods, theories, or researchers to study a single phenomenon.

Quadrangulation

It is a relatively new, specific methodological approach that synthesizes four different methods, data sources, theoretical perspectives, or investigators to produce a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.