How to Write a Phenomenological Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide(Qualitative Research Methods)

Conducting phenomenological research for dissertations can be an involved and challenging process, and writing it up is often the most challenging part. How to Write a Phenomenological Dissertation gives students practical, applied advice on how to structure and develop each chapter of the dissertation specifically for phenomenological research.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Author Part I: Before the Dissertation Chapter 1: How to Begin What Is Phenomenological Research? Purpose of This Book Organization of This Book Literature Review Theoretical Framework References Part II: Writing the Dissertation Chapter 2: Introduction and Literature Review Beginning the Literature Review: What’s Your Topic? Literature Search Strategy Create an Outline Writing the First Dissertation Chapter: The Introduction Problem Statement Purpose Statement Research Questions Theoretical Framework Definitions Assumptions Delimitations and Limitations Summary Sections Completing the Literature Review References and Suggested Reading Chapter 3: Methodology Introduction Design and Rationale Researcher Role Participants Instrumentation Procedures Data Collection Data Analysis Using Software Validity and Reliability Ethics Summary Write the Abstract References and Resources Chapter 4: Results Introduction Setting Participant Demographics Data Collection Findings Connecting to the Theoretical Framework Validity and Reliability Going Back to Chapter 3 Summary Appendices References and Resources Chapter 5: Discussion Introduction Interpretation of Findings: A Dialogue with the Literature Including Theory Throughout Limitations Recommendations for Future Research Implications Conclusion Update the Abstract Example of Abstract References and Resources Part III: After your Dissertation Chapter 6: Other Phenomenological Methods Existential Phenomenology Critical Narrative Analysis (Langdridge) Dialogal Approach (Halling, Leifer, & Rowe) Dallas Approach (Garza) Embodied Life-World Approach (Todres) Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, Flowers, & Larkin) Life-World Approach (Ashworth) Lived Experience Human Science Inquiry (van Manen) Reflective Life-World Approach (Dahlberg) References Chapter 7: Creating Your Own Phenomenological Method Giorgi’s Five Basic Steps van Manen’s Four Reflections Results Participant Demographics General Description Reflection References and Resources Appendix A: Recruitment Flyer Appendix B: Screening Appendix C: Semi-Structured Interview Guide Appendix D: Consent to Participate Appendix E: Sample Dissertation Literature Review Index

About the Author :
Dr. Peoples studied Existential Psychology at Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) and earned both her Bachelor’s and her Master’s in Psychology at Duquesne University before moving over to earn her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Duquesne University. She started working in the addictions field in 1999 and shortly after started relationship and marriage counseling simultaneously.  Dr. Peoples currently works as a core faculty member in the Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral program at Walden University. She has written books, book chapters, and journal articles on numerous topics related to counseling, teaching, and philosophy. Dr. Peoples also has an online marriage counseling and coaching practice where she offers virtual counseling.

Review :
Overall, I feel this is possibly the best work I have seen on this type of a dissertation. It is clear and concise as well as complete in mechanics. It seems to make writing a phenomenological study more accessible by offering pathways to students. It is well-informed, driven by experience and authoritatively written and yet leaves room for others to write their own. It is quite a feat. While this book conforms with others in the domain of phenomenological research is it superior in many respects; chiefly the author′s sound knowledge transfer of philosophy to methods; the fit between conceptual basic assumptions and object of research study; and clarity without sacrificing complexity. The key strengths are the attempt to provide a systematic understanding of the process from A to Z with a specific focus on phenomenology. This text will be useful and versatile for student locked in to phenomenology.