Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research

by Jonathan A. Smith, Paul Flowers, Michael Larkin

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative research approach committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. This text provides a detailed guide to conducting IPA research, presenting the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, a comprehensive overview of the stages of an IPA research project, and examples of high-quality IPA studies.

Extended worked examples from the authors' own studies in health, psychological distress, and identity illustrate the breadth and depth of IPA research, making this book the definitive guide to IPA for students and researchers alike.

New to this edition:

- A thoroughly updated chapter dedicated to analysis
- An exemplary mini-study
- Improved and updated terminology
- A chapter discussing innovations in design, data collection, and collaboration

'It is not often I can use "accessible" and "phenomenology" in the same sentence, but reading the new book, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis…certainly provides me the occasion to do so. I can say this because these authors provide an engaging and clear introduction to a relatively new analytical approach' - The Weekly Qualitative Report

Genres: Research, Psychology, Nonfiction, Academic, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2009

About the author

Jonathan Alan Smith is a psychologist currently based at Birkbeck, University of London. He has been very prominent in promoting qualitative research within social psychology and health psychology. In particular, he has developed and promoted a particular approach known as interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Smith achieved a DPhil in Psychology from the University of Oxford and then held lectureships at Keele and Sheffield Universities. He has at least 160 publications to his name.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed for my research project. I had heard of IPA, but never personally used it and I really found this resource useful.

[K. R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

buku berat yang mudah dicerna dan jelas banget tahapannya, etapi akhirnya ga pake IPA di bab 3. hahaha. ya ga ada yang sia-sia lah ya kalo buat nambah pengetahuan mah...

[Kiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in my research classes for my undergrad

[Budi Ariyanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

mantap metode IPA nya

[Pang Khong Yun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete guide to IPA approach.

[JCJBergman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent companion piece to guide my psychology project based on Near Death Experiences.
Highly recommend.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the second edition of this book (published in 2022). As a methods book, it’s hard to rate, but I’m giving it 5 stars because I was honestly engaged the whole way through, cover to cover. I also feel way more confident diving into my own first IPA study now that I’ve read the latest authoritative book on the subject written by the scientists who came up with this unique approach.

[Joseph Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic methods book. Straightforward and concise. Loved it

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough, very clear, and really helpful.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty helpful for a novice IPA researcher

[Karissa Whitlatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the second edition and it doesn't seem to be in Goodreads

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for graduate program Counseling and Art Therapy.

[Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bible