Watson Adrianna
College of Nursing, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.
J Adv Nurs. 2024 Dec 30. doi: 10.1111/jan.16730.
Phenomenology is essential for researchers exploring human experience. To apply it rigorously, an understanding of its philosophical foundations is needed. This discussion outlines the key distinctions between interpretive and descriptive phenomenology to illustrate philosophical and methodological implications. Nursing researchers seeking to either uncover universal essences or interpret deeper, contextually situated meanings in lived experiences may find this discussion instructive.
Phenomenology examines lived experiences, focusing on interpretation and meaning. The question of understanding follows either an epistemological (descriptive) or ontological (interpretive) line of questioning. Husserl's descriptive approach seeks to objectively capture the essence of experiences through bracketing, while Heidegger's interpretive approach emphasises co-constructed meaning, shaped by researcher and participant.
In phenomenological studies, researchers use various qualitative data types to uncover the essence of participants' lived experiences. Common methods include in-depth interviews, focus groups, and written narratives, along with artefacts like photographs or journals, and audio-visual materials that capture personal reflections. Researchers may also use observations, field notes, and digital content, ensuring a comprehensive view of participants' perceptions and emotions.
Descriptive phenomenology values authenticity through emphasis on objectivity, using methods like Giorgi's analysis, while interpretive phenomenology values co-creation of meaning, employing Heidegger's hermeneutic circle for deeper contextual meaning. The choice of approach depends on the research aims.
Descriptive phenomenology helps identify universal themes in patient care, whereas interpretive phenomenology uncovers significant subtle meanings in complex experiences. Nursing researchers should select approaches aligned with their study objectives.
Both methodologies offer valuable insights into nursing research. A clear understanding of their foundations helps researchers choose methods that best suit their research goals.
现象学对于探索人类体验的研究者而言至关重要。要严谨地应用它，就需要理解其哲学基础。本讨论概述了解释性现象学和描述性现象学之间的关键区别，以阐明其哲学和方法论意义。寻求揭示普遍本质或解读生活经历中更深层次、与情境相关意义的护理研究者可能会发现本讨论具有指导意义。
现象学审视生活经历，侧重于解读和意义。理解问题遵循认识论（描述性）或本体论（解释性）的提问路线。胡塞尔的描述性方法试图通过加括号客观地捕捉体验的本质，而海德格尔的解释性方法强调由研究者和参与者共同构建的、受其塑造的意义。
在现象学研究中，研究者使用各种定性数据类型来揭示参与者生活经历的本质。常见方法包括深度访谈、焦点小组和书面叙述，以及照片或日记等人工制品，还有捕捉个人反思的视听材料。研究者也可能使用观察、实地笔记和数字内容，以确保全面了解参与者的感知和情感。
描述性现象学通过强调客观性来重视真实性，使用诸如 Giorgi 分析等方法，而解释性现象学重视意义的共同创造，采用海德格尔的诠释循环来获取更深层次的情境意义。方法的选择取决于研究目的。
描述性现象学有助于识别患者护理中的普遍主题，而解释性现象学则揭示复杂经历中重要的细微意义。护理研究者应选择与其研究目标相符的方法。
两种方法都为护理研究提供了有价值的见解。清楚地理解它们的基础有助于研究者选择最适合其研究目标的方法。
