Analyzing descriptions of lived experience by Luigina Mortari and Chiara Sità

Abstract:
Phenomenological perspective can be useful for qualitative researchers trying to make rigorous, deep descriptions of lived experiences. This chapter aims at developing a methodological reflection on the potential and limits of phenomenological
content analysis, moving from an investigation based on interviews of teachers’ and parents’ experiences of family-school partnership.
We chose to use the eidetic phenomenological approach for data analysis, reflecting on its implications for our knowledge and trying to answer the question of how a phenomenological
perspective can shape our knowledge of lived experiences. The chapter presents the structure of the investigation and discusses the methodological problems emerging from the research process.