UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Phenomenology is a qualitative research approach that aims to understand and describe how individuals experience a particular phenomenon from their own perspective. It focuses on the meanings, feelings and structures of consciousness associated with those experiences. Researchers often conduct in-depth interviews and then analyse the transcripts to identify common themes that constitute the “essence” of the phenomenon. Because the stem refers to describing the essence of lived experiences, it clearly points to phenomenology.

Option A:
Ethnography involves prolonged engagement in a cultural or social setting to understand norms, values and practices of a group. While it also uses qualitative data, its emphasis is on culture rather than on the essence of individuals’ experiences of a specific phenomenon. Therefore, ethnography is not the correct answer here.

Option B:
Phenomenology requires researchers to bracket or set aside their own assumptions as far as possible so that participants’ descriptions can be examined in a fresh way. The analysis aims to distil invariant structures that characterise the phenomenon across different individuals. This detailed focus on lived experience aligns precisely with the description in the stem, confirming phenomenology as the right completion.

Option C:
Grounded theory, although qualitative, seeks to generate a theory that explains processes or interactions and is less focused on describing the essence of experience. Its primary goal is explanatory theory rather than phenomenological description. Hence, grounded theory does not fit the stem.

Option D:
Case study research examines a bounded case or cases in depth, integrating various sources of data such as documents, interviews and observations. It may use phenomenological insights but is defined by its focus on the case unit rather than the essential structure of a phenomenon across individuals. Consequently, case study is not the best option here.

Phenomenological research aims to describe and interpret how individuals experience a phenomenon in their everyday lives. It focuses on the meanings that participants attach to their experiences and tries to reveal the essence that is common across cases. Data are typically collected through in-depth, open-ended interviews. Therefore, the approach described in the stem is accurately termed phenomenological research.

Option A:
A case study examines a particular case in depth, considering many contextual factors, but it is not necessarily focused on extracting the essence of lived experience across several individuals. Its emphasis is more on the bounded case than on phenomenological essence. So it is not the best answer.

Option B:
Narrative research explores people’s stories and how they construct meaning over time, often focusing on chronology and plot. While it deals with experience, it emphasises narrative structure rather than the phenomenological essence. Thus, it does not match the stem exactly.

Option C:
Option C, phenomenological research, uses bracketing and reflective analysis to uncover the core themes that define a shared experience. It seeks rich descriptions of consciousness and perception. This fits the question’s focus on the essence of lived experiences, making it correct.

Option D:
Ethnographic research studies cultural groups and shared practices over time through immersion and observation. It looks at collective culture rather than individual lived experience of a specific phenomenon, so it is not the correct term here.