Qualitative Phenomenological Research Methods

Phenomenology

• The science of lived experiences of individuals

Corpus Data

• A collection of multi-data references for analysis (Creswell, et al. 2014)

Qualitative Phenomenological Research

• Steps in conducting qualitative phenomenological research:
  • Identify the research problem
  • Formulate the research title
  • Develop research questions (central question, specific questions, developmental questions/interview questions)
  • Validate developmental questions
  • Design research methodology (research protocols)
  • Send request letters and informed consent forms

The Interview Protocol

• Phenomenology method employed to recall conscious feelings and experiences of overseas Filipino students with front-liner parents, focusing on how their parents' professional lives impact scholastic statuses.
• Three phases:
  • Research preparation: Researcher introduces self, project, and contact info; schedules appointments.
  • Interview proper: Noise-reduced room/Zoom, casual chatting, informed consent, general open-ended questions, clarificatory questions, probing for more information.
  • Data transcription and follow-up: Recording extraction, transcription, copying, and keeping records, and clarificatory questions if needed.

Robotfoto

• A Dutch term (Keltchtermans & Ballet, 2002) referring to a photo-like picture drawn by witnesses to describe a suspect (judgement) in a criminal case.
• Includes
  • Profile of the participant
  • Mention in data collection

Informed Consent - Protocol

• A document detailing informed consent procedures for conducting interviews. Contains details about the research project and participant rights.
• Includes participant information like
  • Participant's contact details
  • Research objectives
  • Confidentiality measures -Researcher's contact information and advisor

Semi-Structured Interview

• A face-to-face interview method where both the researcher and participant follow a pre-defined interview guide and questions. (Fossey, 2001), with a valid time duration (Acosta, 2021)
• Valid interview time: 1.50 minutes to 2 hours.

Script Interview

• Designed to build rapport and establish friendliness with participants in the initial stages of the interview process.

Developmental Interview

• The point where the interviewer's questions become purposeful to the research topic.

Writing Developmental Questions

• Guidelines for writing effective questions in interviews:
  • Questions should be understandable, clear, and easy to comprehend
  • Questions must be aligned with the central question as well as specific questions.
  • Avoid Yes/No questions and leading questions

Purposeful Sampling (Qualitative Research)

• A sampling technique, selecting respondents with knowledge and experience to gain richer, more insightful data.
• Factors important for selection include:
  • Knowledge about the phenomenon of interest
  • Experience with a phenomenon of interest
  • Availability to participate and willingness to do so
  • Ability to communicate effectively

Number of Participants

• Suggested participant numbers:
  • 3 to 26 participants (Creswell, 1998)
  • At least 6 participants (Morse, 1994)
  • Ideally 10 participants (standard), avoiding gender bias.
  • Qualitative sample size considerations:
    • Time constraints
    • Availability of resources
    • Study objectives.

Interview Transcribe: (Emic to Etic)

• Emic: Writing participant responses in their POV, including spoken fillers (ah...uhmmm...).
• Etic: Converting the responses into the researcher's perceptions and understanding based on the transcribed data.

Analyzing Data

• Cool Analysis: Initial reading and rereading of raw interview data to develop a general understanding.
• Warm Analysis: More in-depth analysis to look for emerging patterns, themes, and significant points in the collected data.

Coding Types

• Descriptive Coding: Summarising data into single nouns.
• In Vivo Coding: Using participant-stated words or phrases repeatedly mentioned during interviews.
• Holistic Coding: Coding large data units, rather than detailed coding, to grasp the overall content and potential themes.

Member-Checking Procedure

• Procedures to ensure data validity and trustworthiness using triangulation/quadrangulation techniques.
• Involves input from three external members who are not part of the group.
• Allows verification of interpretations of responses.

Data Collection Forms

• Individual Form: Table for recording participant questions/responses and member perspectives.
• Summary Form: Table for summarizing data gathered from multiple participants (e.g., member responses or perspectives on similar questions.)