Tensions and Contradictions 1.Husserl vs Heideggarian 2.Grouping Subjects 3.Various “Steps” to Approach Analysis 4.Ethical considerations The main tensions and contradictions in the area of Phenomenological Research are summarized in the following four categories.

Husserl vs Heideggarian Transcendental Approach Direct Approach Detached Observer Observes in at attempt to get inside subjects head Focus on encouraging subjects to reflect Purpose is to reflect participant’s understandings Subjective and objective Rational Thinking Hermeneutic Approach Indirect Approach Connected and Involved Observer Focus on Shared Experiences Field notes capture unreflective activity Uses everyday Language Abandoned subjectivity and objectivity Intuitive Thinking

Subject Grouping The grouping of subjects is controversial. – Husserl believed it was not possible to group individual experiences together as each was unique. – Many others group subjects to make conclusions on a group of subjects involved in the research with an attempt to categorize subjects into different “boxes”.

Steps Various researchers approach phenomenology with different steps towards their research. A Phenomenological Case Study of A Principal Leadership – Step 1- Includes stating the problem or purpose of the study while expressing limitations of the study. – Step 2- Review the literature in relation to the research that you will explore. – Step 3- Design your research including data collection methods, data management, and summarizing data. – Step 4- State purpose of research and express demographics involved in the research. – Step 5- Discuss conclusions and recommendations for further study.

Steps (cont.) A Phenomenology of Teaching With Laptop Computers A Phenomenology of Teaching With Laptop Computers – Step 1- Introduce the background information including stating the problem, describing the purpose and significance of the study. – Step 2- Review the Literature including and use it to choose a desired methodology. – Step 3- Investigate the phenomenon by observing and exploring. – Step 4- Make conclusions and recommendations for further research.

Critiques of Phenomenology Its difficult to be free from your own personal bias. Inconsistencies exist, not all approaches follow the proven theories. Often the listed theory approach is not actualized. It’s a method of description only, does not always explain or analyze results. The relationship of objective and subjectivity. The resemblance between particular objects is dishonest because its tough to make conclusion from subjects of different class – “All that is general, learned, everything achieved by culture is nothing but the detour we must take in order to bring the immediate to focus.”-Ortega Gasset

Critiques (cont.) Questions on whether we can truly understand what another person is thinking and feeling. Difficulties relation to people of other sex, culture, or class. Relies heavily on the use of language in explanation (ie: “the girls cheeks were like a rose”) In education, many researchers avoid phenomenology because of the amount of time that it takes to complete research properly (similar to the first case study)