Phenomenological Methodology in the Human Sciences

The author suggests that phenomenological methodology differs from traditional methodologies both in purpose and procedure. The task of a phenomenological researcher is to "see" the logic or meaning of an experience, for any subject, rather than to discover causal connections or patterns of correlation. The nature of the task demands extensive study of a small sample, allowing the subjects to speak for themselves and to reveal the logic of their experience as lived. The author reviews verification procedures relevant to phenomenological studies and discusses the limitations inherent in phenomenological research.