Philosophy of phenomenology: how understanding aids research

AIM: To assist the researcher in understanding the similarities and differences between the Husserlian and Heideggerian philosophies of phenomenology, and how that philosophy can inform nursing research as a useful methodology. BACKGROUND: Nurse researchers using phenomenology as a methodology need to understand the philosophy of phenomenology to produce a research design that is philosophically congruent. However, phenomenology has a long and complex history of development, and may be difficult to understand and apply. DATA SOURCES: The author draws from Heidegger (1962), Gadamer (2004), and nurse scholars and methodologists. DISCUSSION: To give the reader a sense of the development of the philosophy of phenomenology, the author briefly recounts its historical origins and interpretations, specifically related to Husserl, Heidegger and Gadamer. The author outlines the ontological and epistemological assumptions of Husserlian and Heideggerian phenomenology and guidance for methodology inspired by these philosophers. Difficulties with engaging in phenomenological research are addressed, especially the processes of phenomenological reduction and bracketing, and the lack of clarity about the methods of interpretation. CONCLUSION: Despite its complexity, phenomenology can provide the nurse researcher with indepth insight into nursing practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH: An understanding of phenomenology can guide nurse researchers to produce results that have meaning in nursing patient care.