The Phenomenological Approach to Social Research

The phenomenological approach to social research focuses on understanding how people experience and make sense of their experiences and the world around them. It involves exploring individuals’ perspectives to gain insight into their feelings, perceptions, and meanings. Researchers immerse themselves in participants' descriptions, aiming to capture the essence of their lived experiences without preconceived notions. This method emphasizes depth over breadth, providing a rich, detailed understanding of subjective human experiences. It is often used in fields like psychology, sociology, and healthcare to understand phenomena from the viewpoint of those who experience it.