Phenomenology is a type of research tool where the researcher pays more attention to the text with the aim of exploring lived experiences. According to Creswell and Poth (2018), “The basic purpose of phenomenology is to reduce individual experiences with a phenomenon to a description of the universal essence” (p. 74). Phenomenology is a direct description of phenomena and direct investigation. This research tool attempts to set aside biases while allowing researchers to investigate perspectives of individuals who have experienced the situation or phenomenon. This involves a deep, reflective analysis of how these experiences manifest in the consciousness of the individuals involved.
Phenomenology is appropriate when there is data that is already provided for the researcher to explore with no regard to norms or preconceived ideas. It is essential to note that when it comes to the aspect of studying, there must be data that provides the research. Phenomenological research is used to study different individual responses based on common experiences. If a researcher is seeking to understand how people experience certain situations, this would be the appropriate design. Phenomenological research is typically performed through in-depth interviews where data is collected from observations, journals, and more (Poulsen & Thøgersen, 2011). These methods allow for a rich, nuanced collection of data that reflects the true essence of the participants’ experiences. Overall, phenomenological research can be practical to a variety of situations and exposes the misconceptions of different experiences.
Phenomenological research goes beyond mere data collection; it involves the interpretation of the data to uncover deeper meanings. Researchers must immerse themselves in the lived experiences of their subjects, often requiring them to engage in processes such as epoché, where they suspend their own judgments and biases. This method emphasizes the subjective experience of individuals, making it possible to explore phenomena from an insider’s perspective. The findings from phenomenological studies can offer profound insights into human behavior, emotions, and interactions, providing a foundation for developing theories or practical applications in various fields.
Challenges in Phenomenological Design
Phenomenology is faced with different challenges, but two of them are the nature of literature and the availability of data to interpret the results since they are not statically reliable. It is imperative to understand that interpretation plays an essential role in phenomenology research. However, at some point, it might be a challenge for a researcher to attain the desired results due to the nature of the participant responses. There are many cases where researchers are challenged with gaining access to participants, which makes it difficult to present findings. In research, the aspect of practicality must be taken seriously. Some research might be an obdurate challenge to explore, and this is because it may be too structured.
The second challenge is associated with the aspect of accessing data that can help in the interpretation of the results. According to Creswell and Poth (2018), a common challenge is bracketing personal experiences because “interpretations of the data always incorporate the assumptions that the researcher brings to the topic” (p. 84). It can be very time-consuming gathering data and generating data analysis for studies. Researcher bias can be very difficult to detect in phenomenological research, making it important to reduce assumptions and preconceived ideas. Moreover, the depth of data required often necessitates prolonged engagement with participants, which can be logistically and emotionally demanding for both the researcher and the participants.
Phenomenological researchers must also navigate the ethical complexities of working with deeply personal and sometimes sensitive experiences. Ensuring confidentiality and obtaining informed consent are crucial, but so is the need to be empathetic and respectful throughout the research process. This ethical consideration adds another layer of complexity, as the researcher must balance the need for in-depth, honest responses with the responsibility of protecting their subjects’ well-being.
Problem Statement
Doctoral persistence of business students has been evident globally, and there is a dire need to understand why it is taking place. Education is the pillar of careers, and therefore it is evident that there is a connection between students seeking higher levels of education and students having the desire to have stable careers (Wagstaff & Williams, 2014). The business world has been advancing and evolving at a high rate, which has seen the need for business professionals to have outstanding qualifications to perfectly fit in positions that they might be assigned to once they are introduced into the business world. It is, however, important to understand the expectations of doctoral programs because this is one of the ways of understanding why most business students are seeking to enroll in doctoral programs.
Qualitative Research Questions
a. Why is the number of business students who are seeking to enroll in doctoral programs increasing?
b. What are some of the unique characteristics that are evident in doctoral programs?
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the research is to connect the interest of the business students in doctoral programs and the offerings in doctoral programs. The first step is to understand why most of the students are seeking to enroll in doctoral programs. The best way to deal with this is by engaging the students in the business field and asking them why they choose doctoral programs and the reason why they have a lot of expectations from the programs (Groenewald, 2004). The second purpose is to understand the uniqueness of doctoral programs. When professionals concentrate more on one program, it is evident that the program has unique characteristics. Understanding the unique characteristics of doctoral programs will help in understanding why most of the students are seeking to enroll in the programs. By identifying these unique characteristics, educators and program developers can tailor doctoral programs to better meet the needs and expectations of students, thereby improving persistence and success rates.
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