as a valuable part of the research process. “When conducting research using
the Heideggerian perspective, researchers can draw on their backgrounds as
nurses” (Pratt, 2012, p. 13).Method
Using purposive sampling, phenomenological studies more than likely will
have small sample sizes, depending on the phenomenon being studied. For
example, in Su and Chen’s (2006) study of women terminating treatment after
in vitro failure, the sample size was 24. Women were selected from a common
area and clinics because they were likely to have shared similar experiences.
Case studies can also provide a description of the lived experience. For ex-
ample, Marshall, Kitson, and Zeitz (2012) examined the views about patient-
centered care based on 10 patients on a surgical unit in Australia. The case
study was a unit of persons with like experiences. It is important to keep in
mind that one person’s experience may be unique and not totally reflective of
the experiences of others.Data Collection and Management
Most of the data for phenomenological research are obtained from fieldwork,
particularly interviews with people who have experienced the phenomenon
being examined. Marshall and Rossman (2011) described phenomenological
interviewing as an in-depth type of interviewing that discovers how experi-
ences are put together to develop a worldview. Interviews are transcribed
verbatim and read multiple times by the researchers. Significant statements
are identified; items are coded and analyzed for themes and patterns. State-
ments may link together to form common themes. The researcher identifies
broad themes with categories and subcategories that are consistent among
participants. There may be several core themes or one broad theme with
associated categories.
Benner (1984) described three interpretive research steps of phenomenol-
ogy: thematic analysis, analyzing exemplars, and identifying paradigms.
During thematic analysis, the reasons, feelings, and thoughts of participants
are explored. Meanings of the categories are analyzed
and integrated into a theme or themes. Step 2 involves
analyzing exemplars. This is when researchers repeat-
edly read data for possible new categories, corrections
of thematic or categoric assignments, and analysis of
differences among the data. Last, according to Benner,
the researcher identifies paradigms, checking the themes
and categories to be sure that they are representative of
the responses from all participants.KEY TERM
case studies: A
description of a
single or novel
event; a unique
methodology
used in qualitative
research that may
also be considered
a design or strategy
for data collectionFYI
There are four major types of qualitative
research: phenomenology, grounded theory,
ethnography, and historical. These types are
used frequently in nursing because they
fit with the types of questions that nurses
ask. These types have well-established
philosophical underpinnings and methods.232 CHAPTER 9 Qualitative Designs: Using Words to Provide Evidence