Conducting phenomenological research for dissertations can be an involved and challenging process, and writing it up is often the most challenging part. How to Write a Phenomenological Dissertation gives students practical, applied advice on how to structure and develop each chapter of the dissertation specifically for phenomenological research.
Acknowledgments About the Author Part I: Before the Dissertation Chapter 1: How to Begin What Is Phenomenological Research? Purpose of This Book Organization of This Book Literature Review Theoretical Framework References Part II: Writing the Dissertation Chapter 2: Introduction and Literature Review Beginning the Literature Review: What's Your Topic? Literature Search Strategy Create an Outline Writing the First Dissertation Chapter: The Introduction Problem Statement Purpose Statement Research Questions Theoretical Framework Definitions Assumptions Delimitations and Limitations Summary Sections Completing the Literature Review References and Suggested Reading Chapter 3: Methodology Introduction Design and Rationale Researcher Role Participants Instrumentation Procedures Data Collection Data Analysis Using Software Validity and Reliability Ethics Summary Write the Abstract References and Resources Chapter 4: Results Introduction Setting Participant Demographics Data Collection Findings Connecting to the Theoretical Framework Validity and Reliability Going Back to Chapter 3 Summary Appendices References and Resources Chapter 5: Discussion Introduction Interpretation of Findings: A Dialogue with the Literature Including Theory Throughout Limitations Recommendations for Future Research Implications Conclusion Update the Abstract Example of Abstract References and Resources Part III: After your Dissertation Chapter 6: Other Phenomenological Methods Existential Phenomenology Critical Narrative Analysis (Langdridge) Dialogal Approach (Halling, Leifer, & Rowe) Dallas Approach (Garza) Embodied Life-World Approach (Todres) Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin) Life-World Approach (Ashworth) Lived Experience Human Science Inquiry (van Manen) Reflective Life-World Approach (Dahlberg) References Chapter 7: Creating Your Own Phenomenological Method Giorgi's Five Basic Steps van Manen's Four Reflections Results Participant Demographics General Description Reflection References and Resources Appendix A: Recruitment Flyer Appendix B: Screening Appendix C: Semi-Structured Interview Guide Appendix D: Consent to Participate Appendix E: Sample Dissertation Literature Review Index
Overall, I feel this is possibly the best work I have seen on this type of a dissertation. It is clear and concise as well as complete in mechanics. -- Michael E. Cox It seems to make writing a phenomenological study more accessible by offering pathways to students. -- Dr. Akin Taiwo It is well-informed, driven by experience and authoritatively written and yet leaves room for others to write their own. It is quite a feat. -- Maurice Apprey While this book conforms with others in the domain of phenomenological research is it superior in many respects; chiefly the author's sound knowledge transfer of philosophy to methods; the fit between conceptual basic assumptions and object of research study; and clarity without sacrificing complexity. -- Maurice Apprey The key strengths are the attempt to provide a systematic understanding of the process from A to Z with a specific focus on phenomenology. This text will be useful and versatile for student locked in to phenomenology. -- Raymond Blanton
