Research is broadly divided into two categories: qualitative and quantitative. Within each of those categories are multiple designs and methods. Among the qualitative methodologies is phenomenology.

Phenomenology is a qualitative research method concerned with the perceptions of study participants. In its purest form, phenomenology begins with no preconceived hypotheses and has a goal of describing a particular situation (phenomenon) rather than explaining the observed situation. In practice, this qualitative design may be altered slightly from its pure form. The structure of phenomenology allows for researchers to investigate a single situation or a group of related situations. Information is often gathered through interviews and discussion with the study participants as well as through direct observations of the study participants. The information gathered is transcribed, coded, and categorized not only for analysis but also to assure participant anonymity. Study results may be reported in the first person to give the sense of the participants' perspectives.

The greatest challenge with phenomenological research is managing the massive volume of information that is commonly generated through interviews, conversations, observations, and other interactions. Hence, a well-organized means of coding and categorizing the data must be determined prior to beginning the study. This structure may be altered somewhat during the actual analysis process based on the type of data received, but if it is designed well from the beginning, those minor adaptations will be neither harmful to the study nor stressful to the researcher.

Another challenge of phenomenology is generalizing the results into theories. Since the practice of phenomenology is an exercise in managing and reporting significant amounts of details, researchers must be careful when stating generalized theories fashioned inductively from the barrage of details gathered in the course of the study. It is of utmost importance that the researcher presents the detailed information in such a way as to guide the reader to the theoretic conclusion of the researcher.

Phenomenology is but one form of research design that is suitable and meaningful for dissertation research. Additional designs will be reviewed later in this series. In all cases, doctoral learners are advised to have relevant conversations with their dissertation committee and particularly with their methodologist and chair to determine the best design to address the research questions of the proposed dissertation study.