Description

Phenomenological Psychology provides a comprehensive, accessible and practical introduction to phenomenological theory, research and methods. Detailed and extensive examples of real research are included throughout to encourage an applied and critical understanding.

The book moves from descriptive through to more interpretative phenomenological methods to enable the reader to learn to use the main approaches to phenomenological psychology, and to understand the similarities and differences between the different approaches.

Features

•          Emphasis on practical application enables students to see how phenomenological methods work in reality

•          Written with students in mind to introduce and explore theory and methods as they would use them

•          Case studies consolidate understanding through clear demonstration of the research process

Table of Contents

1.      Phenomenological Psychology in Context

2.      Fundamentals of Phenomenology

3.      Existentialism and Phenomenology

4.      The Hermeneutic Turn

5.      Staking out the Territory

6.      A Focus on the Things Themselves: descriptive phenomenology

7.      Interpretation and Meaning: IPA, hermeneutic phenomenology and template analysis

8.      Narrating the Lifeworld: critical narrative analysis

9.      Key Issues, Debates and Rebuttals

Back Cover

“Provides a clear grounding in the philosophical bases of the different strands of phenomenological psychology, and clear descriptions of how to actually carry out research within each of the main traditions. Lively and informative examples of real projects are used throughout.”

Dr Nigel King, Reader in Psychology, University of Huddersfield

'A timely and very readable introduction to phenomenology for the psychological audience. Langdridge very successfully leads the reader through the basics of phenomenology towards practical insights into the breadth and scope of a variety of contemporary phenomenological perspectives and their application within psychological research. '  

Dr. Paul Flowers, Reader in Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University

Phenomenological Psychology provides a comprehensive, accessible and practical introduction to phenomenological theory, research and methods. Detailed and extensive examples of real research are included throughout to encourage an applied and critical understanding.

The book moves from descriptive through to more interpretative phenomenological methods to enable the reader to learn to use the main approaches to phenomenological psychology, and to understand the similarities and differences between the different approaches.

Main features

·        Extensive coverage of the philosophical underpinnings of perspectives to encourage a firm grasp of the foundations of the phenomenological approach

·        Real examples of research in practice to enable an applied grasp of each methodology and to serve as a useful resource for independent project work 

·        Critical discussion of phenomenological psychology and the recent turn to narrative to ensure an up-to-date understanding

·        A range of boxed features offer practical guidance, and encourage reflection of concepts discussed.  These include

o       Biography boxes explore the contribution of key figures

o       Method boxes provide concrete examples of phenomenological methods and approaches

o       Study boxes reflect on a specific study, giving you access to a variety of current literature

o       Data boxes and analysis boxes contain examples of raw data that would be used in phenomenological research and show you how to reflect on and analyse the data

o       End of chapter summaries and further reading review the key issues and theories in the chapter and give you the tools to move beyond the material covered in the book

Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychology and related areas, including health and nursing

 Dr. Darren Langdridge is a lecturer in social psychology at the Open University and a chartered psychologist specialising in existential psychotherapy.