Qualitative Mindset behind Phenomenology: Implications to Qualitative Research Training
B. Bantugan
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science May 13, 2025 DOI: 10.47772/ijriss.2025.90400331 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Systematic review Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Keywords | Education |
| Key findings | Argues that phenomenology and the qualitative mindset mutually reinforce each other, with reflexivity, epoché (bracketing), and ethical awareness as central to studying lived experience. The authors call for structured, theory-driven phenomenological research training, proposing reflective activities in basic education, qualitative methods at undergraduate level, and advanced interpretation and ethics at graduate level. |
Abstract
This paper describes how the qualitative mindset is fostered by and fosters the phenomenology research approach. A systematic literature review deepened researchers’ understanding of phenomenology by clarifying its conceptual foundations, identifying thematic trends through deductive thematic analysis, and evaluating methodological approaches. It highlights the contributions of Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, and Van Manen, strengthening the understanding of the qualitative mindset based on the study of lived experience. Phenomenology, as a qualitative research approach, focuses on understanding lived experiences, emphasizing subjective realities, and embracing the complexity of meaning-making. In epistemological awareness, it recognizes knowledge as co-constructed and context-dependent. Phenomenology embraces subjectivity and rejects absolute truths, instead highlighting personal histories, emotions, and social influences in interpreting experience. Reflexivity is central, with researchers practicing epoché (bracketing) to minimize bias and engage authentically with participants. Ethical considerations, such as power dynamics and informed consent, are also crucial. The flexible, iterative nature of phenomenology allows for continuous adaptation of the research approach. Phenomenology prioritizes depth over breadth, focusing on rich, detailed descriptions of individual experiences while considering sociocultural and historical influences. Researchers also employ a variety of data sources to gain a nuanced understanding, ensuring rigorous analysis and interpretation of themes and patterns. The study highlighted the need for structured, theory-driven phenomenological research training at basic, undergraduate, and graduate levels. It suggests using reflective activities in basic education, qualitative research methods in undergrad, and advanced interpretation and ethical considerations at the graduate level. This progressive approach aligns with the Philippine education system’s framework for developing competent researchers.
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Synergistic, multi-level understanding of psychedelics: three systematic reviews and meta-analyses of their pharmacology, neuroimaging and phenomenology. | 2024 | Systematic review and meta-analysis | |
| Evidence synthesis indicates contentless experiences in meditation are neither truly contentless nor identical Expert texts from Shamatha, Transcendental, and Stillness Meditation traditions | 2022 | Systematic review | n = 135 |
| Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) use in severe mental illness (SMI) patients: Potential changes in the phenomenology of psychiatric diseases Patients with severe mental illness (SMI), such as psychotic patients | 2017 | Systematic review | |
| Scoping review on shamanistic trances practices. | 2024 | Systematic review |