Comparison Chart
Summary
Essential Features of Methodologies
Narrative and phenomenological studies are the types of qualitative research the aim of which is to gain a deep understanding of an issue, event, or a population and derive meaning from surroundings and experiences. Despite the common intentions to disclose meaning of something through interviewing people, a narrative design and a phenomenological design have a number of distinctive features that should be identified by a researcher who performs the role of a primary research instrument (Mohajan, 2018). Narrative research focuses on storytelling where participants share narrations about themselves or events that happen to them (Creswell, 2014). Its peculiar feature is a chronology of events and people’s experience, but not recognition of common themes. Phenomenological researchers, in their turn, concentrate on gathering the material in order to identify one common meaning using as many opinions as possible (Mohajan, 2018). In other words, narrative research is based on people and their experiences, whilst phenomenological research focuses on people’s experiences and a phenomenon.
In both types of research, communication plays a vital role. However, in narrations, it is important to pay attention to every individual and underline the distinctive features of personal experience for the study. In phenomenology, interviews in groups are allowed because the purpose is to find out some common themes and opinions. Finally, a concluding format of both studies varies: narrative research is to explore human actions and patterns of meaning, and phenomenology should describe the essence (meaning) of human experiences (Creswell, 2014). In many cases, novice researchers cannot identify the line between the outcomes that they should achieve in their narrative and phenomenological studies. Therefore, thorough analysis and evaluations are usually required.
Method to Discuss Research on Mental Problems of Homeless Youth
Taking into consideration the peculiarities of narrative research and phenomenology, the discussion of the topic about mental problems of homeless youth can be properly developed from both perspectives. On the one hand, narrative studies are effective to gather opinions and understand human behaviors under specific conditions. People’s decisions, personal characteristics, and the environment play an important role in understanding the chosen research topic, and a narrative method can be used to answer a number of questions. On the other hand, a phenomenological method may contribute to the analysis of the topic due to the possibility to use one particular concept – homelessness – and identify what different people think of it in relation to young people and the development of mental problems.
In both cases, the investigation should begin with direct communication with participants. Interview questions must be planned beforehand to make sure they suit the chosen research field. However, in case of narrative studies, it is expected to cooperate with homeless youth and gather their opinions and knowledge of mental problems. In phenomenology, cooperation with healthcare workers and nurses and their stories can help to understand a situation and discover the essence of mental health problems in a particular population. Therefore, focusing on mental health problems among homeless young people, such qualitative designs as narrations or phenomenology would be appropriate, but a phenomenological study seems to be more effective due to the possibility to understand the meaning of mental health and apply it to homeless people of a particular age. Still, a final decision about the design depends on a research question and access to potential participants for the study.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Mohajan, H. K. (2018). Qualitative research methodology in social sciences and related subjects. Journal of Economic Development, Environment and People, 7(1), 23-48.