Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative research approach committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. This text provides a detailed guide to conducting IPA research, presenting the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, a comprehensive overview of the stages of an IPA research project, and examples of high-quality IPA studies.

Extended worked examples from the authors' own studies in health, psychological distress, and identity illustrate the breadth and depth of IPA research, making this book the definitive guide to IPA for students and researchers alike.

New to this edition:

• A thoroughly updated chapter dedicated to analysis

• An exemplary mini-study

• Improved and updated terminology

• A chapter discussing innovations in design, data collection, and collaboration

'It is not often I can use "accessible" and "phenomenology" in the same sentence, but reading the new book, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis...certainly provides me the occasion to do so. I can say this because these authors provide an engaging and clear introduction to a relatively new analytical approach' - The Weekly Qualitative Report

Autorentext

Jonathan A. Smith is Professor of Psychology at Birkbeck University of London, UK where he leads the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research group. He has written many articles applying IPA to a range of areas in health, clinical and social psychology. He is co- author (with Paul Flowers and Michael Larkin) of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research (Sage, 2009). He also has a wider interest in qualitative psychology generally and has co-edited a number of books in the area.

Inhalt

1. Introduction
   
   2. The theoretical foundations of IPA
   3. Planning an IPA research study
   4. Collecting data
   5. Analysis
   6. Writing
   7. Advanced designs and innovative approches
   8. Connecting IPA with perspectives in the human sciences
   9. Assessing validity and quality
   10. Research Exemplar A: Health and illness
   11. Research Exemplar B: Psychological distress
   12. Research Exemplar C: Identity and life transitions
   13. Conclusion and reflections on future developments