Waiting in the Wings: The Enactment of a Descriptive Phenomenology Study

Abstract

Confronted with a range of methodological options, novice researchers often face the daunting dilemma of selecting a methodological route which best fits the purpose of their study. Following the decision-making process, all methodologies present challenges which need to be explored and addressed. This paper outlines the application of descriptive phenomenology for a doctoral study. Examples and insights are offered about how applied theoretical underpinnings can translate into research action. The central aim of descriptive phenomenology is to use first person accounts to clarify the essential meanings of defined phenomena. Therefore, attention is placed on how researchers can use the process of methodologically coherent bracketing to remain participant focussed. The metaphor of a stage play is used to illustrate the research process and identify issues relating to researcher positionality. A suggested prompt sheet is included to help readers practically consider the steps involved in undertaking a study using descriptive phenomenology. The paper concludes with the assertion that methodologically coherent descriptive phenomenology is a useful approach for gaining valuable understandings into human experience. This paper will be relevant for many disciplines and allied healthcare professionals who wish to consider descriptive phenomenology as an interesting and appropriate qualitative methodology. This paper seeks to provide an academic awareness into an established, yet growing methodology, providing methodological insights and an interdisciplinary recognition that descriptive phenomenology can be applied and implemented to support many areas of qualitative study.