A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research

Bibliographic Data

ID15736764
AuthorsUchechi Clara Opara (0000-0002-1579-8313, University of Saskatchewan, corresponding author), Pammla Petrucka (0000-0003-3174-3328, University of Saskatchewan)
Year2024
Volume11
Pages23333936241238097-23333936241238097
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Qualitative Nursing Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2333-3936 • E-ISSN: 2333-3936
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/23333936241238097
PMID38495317
OpenAlexW4392805596
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited67

Choosing an appropriate qualitative methodology in nursing research is a researcher's first step before beginning a study. Such a step is critical as the selected qualitative methodology should be congruent with the research questions, study assumptions, data gathering and analysis to promote the utility of such research in enhancing nursing knowledge. In this paper, we compare focused ethnography by Roper and Shapira and interpretive phenomenology by Benner. Though these methodologies are naturalistic and appear similar, both have different methodological underpinnings. The historical, ontological, epistemological, and axiological philosophy guiding each methodology are described. In addition, the methodological underpinnings of both methodologies and a justification for use in nursing research are provided. This paper will assist future researchers who aim to employ these methodologies in nursing research

Epistemology · Ethnography · Naturalism · Naturalistic observation · Nursing research · Phenomenology (philosophy · Qualitative research · Research methodology · Social science · Sociology · Medicine · Nursing · Nursing education and management · Philosophy · Psychology · Qualitative Research Methods and Applications · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Social Psychology