Reflective Lifeworld Research

This book explicates a reflective lifeworld research approach, based on phenomenological philosophy. The emphasis is on the lifeworld, the human intentionality and its capacity for seeing meaning and for reflection. The epistemological ideas presented in the book are transformed into an empirical research approach that serves as a guiding principle for research. The approach originates from the aim of allowing the phenomenon to guide the research by which the phenomenon and its meanings will be illuminated, understood and explicated, and is supported by an open and "bridled" attitude to the phenomenon and the research. Based on a solid epistemological presentation and ideas about how an open and "bridled" approach can be established, some methodological principles are outlined for data gathering as well as for descriptive and interpretive data analysis, respectively. Finally, general scientific concepts such as validity, objectivity and generalisation are discussed in relation to the reflective lifeworld research approach.