What Is Phenomenology?

In this issue, Jaromahum and Fowler (2010) report results of a qualitative research study using a method known as phenomenology. Many different qualitative methods exist, most originating in other disciplines (Connelly, 2007). These methods have many commonalities, but they do have some important differences. Phenomen - ology started as a philosophical movement that focused on the nature of experience from the point of view of the person experiencing the phenomenon (known as "lived experience"). A phenomenologist researcher examines the qualities or essence of an experience through interviews, stories, or observations with people who are having the experience of the researcher's interest. Jaromahum and Fowler wanted to understand the experiences of eating after esophagectomy: what is it like for a patient who has just undergone esophagectomy to eat for the first time?

A Philosophy and Method of Inquiry

Although phenomenology as a philosophy is complex and cannot be described fully in a short article, a few important points can be made. Phenomenology focuses on consciousness and the content of conscious experience, such as judgments, perceptions, and emotions (Balls, 2009). Phenomenology also focuses on humans as embodied beings, meaning they experience life through their physical bodies. Phenomenologists want to know what the experience was like to live it, not just the person's reaction to the experience (Munhall, 2007). In addition to philosophy, phenomenology as a research method is used in psychology, education, and in health care. Nurses have been using this method for some time because it considers the whole person and values his or her experience (Balls, 2009). One of the most well known phenomenological studies was conducted by Benner (1984) on nurses' experiences moving from novice to expert practitioner.

Two main phenomenologic approaches can be used: descriptive and interpretive. Descriptive phenomenology was developed by Husserl, and interpretive phenomenology...