Concerning Variations in the Application of the Phenomenological Method

Abstract

We are living in an era when many qualitative research methods are being introduced into psychology. Among the qualitative methods being introduced are phenomenological methods based on different phenomenological philosophers. Not unexpectedly, different psychologists are interpreting the primary philosophers in different ways. This article reviews the methods articulated by psychologists who claim to follow Husserl at least partially. Some of the variations that exist among the methods articulated by Colaizzi, Hycner, Moustakas, van Manen, and Karlsson are noted and discussed. While an orthodox methodology is not being proposed, it is nevertheless argued that not all variations can be justified. In addition, it is emphasized that strategies for researching phenomena differ from those focusing on individuals.