The use of Bracketing Strategy in dealing with Researcher Bias in Phenomenological

 Researcher bias is a common phenomenon in qualitative research method. Many researchers find it challenging to remain neutral in data collection and analysis. The same scenario is evident in the choice of research topic and methodology, and in the interpretation of the findings from research. Thus, it is critical that the researcher lay out a strategy intended to use in handling the problem of researcher bias. Bracketing strategy, as used in qualitative research, helps to mitigate the potential deleterious impacts of preconceptions that may affect the research process.

            One of the key methods used is ensuring that the researcher has a lengthy research endeavor before the commencement of the study. The strategy controls the inevitable transmission of assumptions, values, interests, and emotions into the research project. The researcher requires having deep levels of reflection in the selection of the topic, designing the interview, collecting and interpreting data, and in report findings. The chance of having a sustained, in-depth reflection enhances the keenness of the researcher and facilitates more profound and multifaceted analysis. The strategy ensures that the researcher remains cognizant of the likelihood of bias in the research process.

            According to Hamill and Sinclair (2010), the researcher should bracket any presumed knowledge about the subject under study during data collection and analysis. It is essential that he/she maintains a high level of openness in the ways that gender, age, ethnicity, religion, and politics among other factors can affect the research process. Practically, a qualitative study may not be fully objective, but the researcher should convince the readers that he/she followed a high level of objectivity. The issues outlined are the major cause of bias in the data collection and analysis processes.

            Another strategy is deciding the scope of the literature review, according to the prevailing gate-keeping policies. The method involves the delay of the literature review until after data collection and analysis. It is effective in ensuring that the researcher does not frame questions or analyze data having a basis on the themes that exists in the literature. If the researcher conducts a literature review prior to the data collection and analysis, there is a high possibility of being biased. However, the strategy discussed leaves the researcher within the scope of the data collected, thus avoiding bias.

            The researcher can utilize bracketing in data collection process through the use of semi-structured interviews having a guide from open-ended questions. In the semi-structured interview, the interviewer has a set of leading questions but is free to probe interesting areas arising as a result of the participants’ interests and concerns (Lindlof & Taylor, 2002). The process becomes more of participant-based rather than interviewer-based thereby eliminating bias.

            For data analysis, the best approach is planning for it using the Colaizzi’s method. The method works together with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The use of IPA approach helps to understand the content and complexity of meaning in the respondent’s experience. When combined, the two methods create a scenario in which the participants can evaluate if their answers require clarification. The strategy aims at ensuring that the researcher does not misinterpret the data due to bias.

            Bracketing provides an effective methodological tool in ensuring validity in phenomenology. Thus, it’s important for the researcher to facilitate bracketing in the research process.

References

Hamill, C., & Sinclair, H. (2010) Bracketing-practical considerations in Husserlian             phenomenological research: Nurse Researcher, 17, 16-24.
Lindlof T. R., & Taylor, B. C. (2002) Qualitative communication research methods (Second         edition) Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Carolyn Morgan is the author of this paper. A senior editor at MeldaResearch.Com in legitimate essay writing service. If you need a similar paper you can place your order from research paper services.