The phenomenological article discusses the differences between phenomenological research and phenomenological methods. By using reverie such as ruminations and fleeting perceptions, it seeks to discuss and explore the case of Empirical Phenomenological Analysis (EPA) as a research method. Reverie experience is intersubjective and normally takes place between the participant and the researcher.

Summary of Empirical Phenomenological Analysis method

The case of EPA presents itself spontaneously and puts its focus on the human phenomena. Thus, it avoids casual and logical methods. The EPA enables a researcher to come up with the essence of the phenomenon. To discover the essence of any experience, the participants must give a description of intrinsic meaning they have of the phenomenon. However, the researcher conducting the EPA should strive to remain impartial and refrain from attaching his or her own conclusions to the participant’s description. During a participant description, a researcher guards against their misinterpretation of the participants experience by making use of bracketing.

Personal opinion about the article

EPA is an empirical phenomenological research method that provides a systemic method for analyzing the research data obtained. However, attaining the essence when working with a participant, who has shared his experiences, is a major difficulty. It, therefore, becomes impossible for a researcher to gather any meanings. According to Cayne (2005), EPA fails to highlight and explore the intersubjective and intrapsychic processes involved in the discourse. Nonetheless, ideas need to be developed around the use of reverie as approaches to new research methods, for example through phenomenology. A well-developed reverie is necessary as it creates an enabling phenomenological research.

Reference

Cayne, J. & Loewenthal, D. (2007). A case of the unknown: Some implications for relational         research. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

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