Interpretation/Analysis Methods in Hermeneutic Interpretive Phenomenology

BACKGROUND: Although hermeneutical interpretive phenomenological methodology has been used in many nursing research studies, reports of findings are generally not specific regarding the analysis, or "interpretive process," of this methodology. APPROACH: The purpose of this article is to assist researchers in analyzing interviews and observations, as part of hermeneutical interpretive phenomenology. In this article the interpretive process is explained, illustrated by examples from a recent research study. RESULTS: Other facets of the methodology including research question development, sampling issues, and interview and observation methods are briefly reviewed. DISCUSSION: Approaching the interpretive process as systematically as possible within a nonlinear methodology streamlines and clarifies interpretations of the interview data.