The Descriptive Phenomenological Method in Psychology: A Modified Huessrlian Approach

I have read a number of Husserl's and Heidegger's own works, as well as a number of books in the secondary literature attempting to provide clarification on the phenomenological method. Of these latter, this book by Giorgi is the best. Giorgi writes in what Steven Pinker calls the classic style for English prose, which will be much clearer to any reader compared to work which attempt to write in the technical, profundity-seeking style of continental philosophy. Most importantly, Giorgi understands how widely misunderstood and misappropriated phenomenology is within mainstream psychological research. He calls out and critiques lazy and trendy adoptions of the term where it is unwarranted; phenomenology is not merely a synonym for subjective experience. Giorgi situates the topic against the history of modern scientific research in psychology since the late 19th century, and makes a compelling case that various attempts to formulate rigorous qualitative approaches in psychology exhibit characteristics that become more properly formalized and concrete in phenomenology. He shines in particular on the relationship of qualitative and quantitative approaches in psychology. Even if you are inclined to Heidegger's approach, it is better to get grounding in the approach of Husserl, which Heidegger studied before developing his variation.

Amedeo Giorgi's magnum opus is the culmination of decades of methodological development. He begins his book with a detailed theoretical justification for his perspective, and goes on to explicate the intricacies of his unique approach in a clear and concise manner. Finally, he provides actual data from his own personal application of his method, and proceeds to highlight all the key components of it as he goes through the examples presented. This book is especially valuable for qualitative researchers or psychologists interested in alternative theoretical perspectives, but is also valuable to mainstream researchers because of Giorgi's commitment to good scientific practice. For researchers who believe qualitative psychological research is somehow less reliable or valid than quantitative methods, I encourage you to read this book with an open mind.

Laid back author - there is no rush to the finish, if you will. Provides a calming and informative text for the writer anxious about how to engage the descriptive phenomenological method in their dissertation/thesis. Contrast that to how the the Creswell texts are written. Very different styles due to purpose, I suppose. If you're looking for a cookbook, look to other authors, not Giorgi in this case.

Although phenomological research is not the page-turner of a subject, the book is masterfully written. If conducting a research project or dissertation using the method, I would forward this book as required reading.

Good arrival time, great packaging and a great read if this is what you need. I needed it for school and it came just when I needed it and the information was very helpful. I would recommend buying it. I didnt use this method but was glad I read about it

While adopting the phenomenological descriptive stance in an empirical study, in the strict Husserlian sense, this was the book that really helped me in every step of the research.

Concise and practical!

It's a required text book ... enough said. For that purpose and stopping my door from closing earns it 5 stars.

This isn't just about practical and theoretical use. It's perfect as a feel-good reader. Truly enlightening.

Book arrived in very good time and is exactly the book I need.

Good book ... if you like that sort of thing