What are the common challenges and pitfalls of conducting a phenomenological literature review?

A phenomenological literature review is a type of qualitative research that aims to explore and synthesize the lived experiences and meanings of a phenomenon, such as a concept, a practice, or a situation. However, conducting a phenomenological literature review is not an easy task, as it involves several challenges and pitfalls that can affect the quality and validity of the findings. In this article, you will learn about some of the common difficulties and risks of doing a phenomenological literature review, and how to overcome them.

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1 Define the phenomenon

One of the first steps in conducting a phenomenological literature review is to define the phenomenon of interest clearly and precisely. This is crucial because the phenomenon determines the scope, focus, and criteria of the literature search and selection. However, defining the phenomenon can be challenging, as it may be complex, abstract, or ambiguous. Moreover, different authors may use different terms or definitions to describe the same or similar phenomena. Therefore, you need to be careful and consistent in defining the phenomenon, and justify your choice of terms and sources.

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Reetika M.

Communication & Change Management| Product Marketing |Qualitative Researcher |Driving ESG Goals with GenAI @ World Economic Forum,UNICEF, WHO | Views are personal.
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Imagine conducting a phenomenological literature review on "workplace motivation." It's like sculpting clarity from ambiguity. Define the phenomenon precisely—is it intrinsic motivation, extrinsic factors, or a blend? Different authors might use terms like "job satisfaction" or "employee engagement." Be meticulous and consistent in your definition, acknowledging the intricacies. It's akin to ensuring everyone in the research conversation is speaking the same language, despite the diverse ways motivation might be articulated in the literature.

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2 Identify relevant sources

Another challenge in conducting a phenomenological literature review is to identify and select relevant sources that provide rich and diverse insights into the phenomenon. This may require a comprehensive and systematic search strategy that covers multiple databases, keywords, and filters. However, finding relevant sources can be difficult, as not all studies that address the phenomenon may use the term "phenomenology" or adopt a phenomenological approach. Moreover, some sources may be inaccessible, outdated, or of low quality. Therefore, you need to be flexible and critical in identifying and selecting sources, and document your search process and criteria.

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Reetika M.

Communication & Change Management| Product Marketing |Qualitative Researcher |Driving ESG Goals with GenAI @ World Economic Forum,UNICEF, WHO | Views are personal.
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Navigating a phenomenological literature review is like embarking on a treasure hunt for rich insights. Consider exploring multiple databases, keywords, and filters to unearth diverse perspectives on your chosen phenomenon, say "mental well-being." The challenge lies in flexibility, as not all relevant studies may shout "phenomenology." Some might be hidden gems with valuable insights, even if they don't explicitly embrace the term. Be critical, adaptable, and meticulous in documenting your search journey, sifting through the digital terrain for the pearls that contribute to your exploration.

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3 Analyze and synthesize the findings

A third challenge in conducting a phenomenological literature review is to analyze and synthesize the findings from the selected sources. This involves extracting and comparing the key themes, patterns, and variations that emerge from the lived experiences and meanings of the phenomenon. However, analyzing and synthesizing the findings can be complex, as there may be multiple, contradictory, or overlapping perspectives on the phenomenon. Moreover, some findings may be vague, incomplete, or biased. Therefore, you need to be rigorous and transparent in analyzing and synthesizing the findings, and use appropriate methods and tools.

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Reetika M.

Communication & Change Management| Product Marketing |Qualitative Researcher |Driving ESG Goals with GenAI @ World Economic Forum,UNICEF, WHO | Views are personal.
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Imagine your phenomenological literature review as piecing together a mosaic of diverse perspectives on "resilience." Analyzing and synthesizing findings is akin to arranging the varied tiles, considering multiple, sometimes contradictory, pieces of the phenomenon's puzzle. Some sources may provide vague or biased insights, adding complexity. Be rigorous, transparent, and adept in your synthesis, employing suitable methods and tools. It's about weaving a comprehensive tapestry that captures the intricate nuances and contradictions within the lived experiences explored in the literature.

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4 Interpret and report the results

A final challenge in conducting a phenomenological literature review is to interpret and report the results in a clear and coherent way. This involves integrating and summarizing the main findings, and discussing their implications, limitations, and gaps. However, interpreting and reporting the results can be tricky, as you need to balance between presenting the original voices of the participants and providing your own insights and critiques. Moreover, you need to follow the ethical and academic standards of citation, referencing, and plagiarism. Therefore, you need to be respectful and honest in interpreting and reporting the results, and use suitable formats and styles.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the common challenges and pitfalls of conducting a phenomenological literature review?

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1 Define the phenomenon

2 Identify relevant sources

3 Analyze and synthesize the findings

4 Interpret and report the results

5 Here’s what else to consider

Qualitative Research

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