The empirical-phenomenological research framework : reflecting on its use

Background and objective: Descriptive phenomenology when used within the tradition of Husserl offers the qualitative researcher a unique perspective into the lived experience of the phenomena in question. Methods of data analysis are often seen as the theoretical framework for which these studies are then focused. However, what is not realised is that the data analysis tool is merely that a tool for which to delineate the individual narratives. What is often missing is a research framework for which to structure the actual study. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to offer a reflective account of how the empirical-phenomenological framework shaped and informed a descriptive phenomenological study looking at the lived experience of male nursing students as they journey though the under-graduate nursing programme. Methods: A reflective narrative was used to examine and explore how the empirical-phenomenological framework can be used to support method construction within a descriptive phenomenological study. Results and conclusions: The empirical-phenomenological research framework aims to provide a practical method for understanding and valuing the range and depth of descriptive phenomenology, in particular the lived experience. Used in combination with specific phenomenological data analysis models the empirical-phenomenological framework is structured to support the qualitative research process.