Phenomenological Praxis: A Constructive Alternative in Research in Psychology

Abstract

Serious consideration is given to the possibility that the traditional quantitative research orientation in psychology can no longer be considered the panacea that it was once believed to be. It is argued that any research approach, such as a quantitative one, which gives priority to the methodology as opposed to the phenomenon is based on inappropriate ontological reduction. Consequently, it is argued that psychology should aim more at being a descriptive science rather than an explanatory one. The traditional research modus operandi is compared with that offered by a qualitative approach and examples of such research are provided. The article concludes by outlining a programmed series of steps considered fundamental to any form of rigorous phenomenological research.