A framework for negotiating positionality in phenomenological research

AbstractThis Guide was written as an aid to those who are considering phenomenology as a methodology in their education research. Phenomenology allows us to understand and appreciate educational issues by exploring the unique experiences and perspectives of individuals involved in the process. There are certain core tenets to all phenomenological research, such as a focus on exploring experience and adopting a phenomenological stance. However, because phenomenology has emerged from the work of a number of related but distinct philosophers, phenomenologists do not adhere to a single approach. To help phenomenological researchers position themselves and their work with regard to the various approaches, we offer the “3 + 1” framework. This framework articulates three dimensions on which phenomenological researchers vary: (1) focusing primarily on the general or the particular; (2) managing “pre-understandings” using primarily reduction or reflexivity; and (3) engaging with participants’ stories using primari...