Phenomenological Research Methods

by Clark E. Moustakas

In this volume, Clark Moustakas clearly discusses the theoretical underpinnings of phenomenology, based on the work of Husserl and others, and takes the reader step-by-step through the process of conducting a phenomenological study. His concise guide provides numerous examples of successful phenomenological studies from a variety of fields including therapy, health care, victimology, psychology and gender studies. The book also includes form letters and other research tools to use in designing and conducting a study.

Genres: Research, Nonfiction, Research Methods, Philosophy, Qualitative Research

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1994

Reviews

[Kira]

It could just be that I approach phenomenology far too philosophically to appreciate what Moustakas wants to do in this book. I guess he wants to provide psychologists with a hands-on guide to interpreting qualitative data (interviews, mostly) in a relatively rigorous (because systematic) way. He certainly does that. He even includes step-by-step instructions in the systematic interpretation of interview transcripts, according to his own favored method of analysis. Basically, you try to extract themes (expressible in phrases or sentences) common to all of the interviews, or within one interview. Then you relate those themes to each other via conceptual links. My disappointment with this book hinges on the author's treatment of Husserl and his attempt to relate his phenomenological qualitative methodology to Husserl's phenomenology. I certainly see the influence of Husserl on the methodology of qualitative data analysis recommended. The author tries to persuade us that some form of phenomenology, derived from Husserlian philosophy, is a powerful tool for clarifying one's basic methodological conceptions in any kind of disciplined, qualitative inquiry (what they call "human science" in Germany). I am persuaded; I wouldn't really have bought the expensive, hard-to-find book if I weren't. I was disappointed, though, by the author's discussions of the phenomenological reduction. I knew going into this that the reduction involves (at least) identifying one's theoretical or attitudinal presuppositions, including methodology as well as facticity (ingrained dispositions and beliefs). I knew that a phenomenologist also attempts to relate the intentional acts characteristic of those reduced presuppositions amongst themselves, so that coherent attitudes made up of dispositions toward these types of intentions may be named for convenience, and consciously avoided if necessary to the research. The biggest mystery of Husserlian phenomenology is: how do I do that? I don't find any deep answers here. Of course, as the author recommends, I ought to figure it out for myself. Indeed.

[Carrie Fleharty]

This is a good book for those people like psychologists who will be conducting phenomenology studies. The book is hard to read but very beneficial for those of us who would be conducting phenomenology studies. The reading is clear and concise, and at times hard to understand. Then again this book is not for everyone because it is a sort of a handbook or guide to conducting phenomenological studies.

[Jed]

Made we want to learn more about phenomenology.

[Shari Scott]

Loved the poetic language of transcendental phenomenology!!! Beautifully written work with real world value for qualitative researchers.

[Susan]

Again, really helpful and in some ways, inspiring for my first opportunity for scholarly research.

[Being or Notbeing]

A must-have book to understand descriptive phenomenological inquiry and to differentiate interpretive phenomenological research method.

[Sharjeel Ahmed]

A highly cited work on phenomenological research methods. Till date, 22922 people (as it can be seen on Google Scholar) have cited this book in their research works.

[Martha Highfield]

Clearly written with practical appendices. Phenomenology research analysis is challenging and the book is at least no more challenging than the method. Very helpful.

[Karissa Whitlatch]

partially helpful, mostly not until the end,ast couple chapters were more practical

[Sara Best]

Phenomenological Research Methods was hard reading. As is the case when one is digging into a new subject area, there was unfamiliar vocabulary and terms used in new ways. I am slowly unraveling my mental confusion about phenomenological research, in theory at least. I will see how well I 'get it' over the next few months as I put together my proposal.

[Amy]

decent overview of phenomenological research, however quite philosophical. the author appeared to take great joy in crafting melodic sentences.

[Sarah Deal]

The second half is especially helpful in designing and conducting this type of research. The first half is more difficult to understand.

[Debbie (Doc)]

Required for my doctorate dissertation.