Phenomenological research lived experience – UGC NET Question

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.