Methods associated with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
Methods | Application to IPA |
Sample and recruiting participants | IPA focuses on small and homogeneous samples; the research question being addressed must be meaningful to participants who are purposively selected because they have experience of the phenomena. The number of participants in IPA studies is small (typically less than 10) to enable a detailed microlevel analysis of the participants’ accounts.3 Each participant offers a rich reflective account of their experience/s and represent their own perspective/s.3 Notions of generalisability are a contradiction in IPA because participants are recruited for their individual experience/s and perspective/s, rather than to represent perceptions of a wider population.3 |
Data collection | IPA has been undertaken using numerous qualitative data collection techniques that allow the participant to provide a rich account of their personal and lived experience including written accounts such as paper and online diaries, interviewing and focus groups. However, the in-depth semistructured interview is typically used to collect data in IPA. The aim of the interview in IPA is to facilitate participants to share the experiences that are important to them, while an interview topic guide may be used the participant leads the direction of the interview. The researcher’s role in the interview is to guide the discussion in a way that focuses on the lived experience of the phenomena of interest. |
Data analysis | Analysis begins with the close examination of the first case, leading to the development of case themes and then consideration of themes across the data set. IPA analysis involves a step-by-step approach3 4:
IPA findings are presented as a coherent analytical account including pertinent participant quotes and a detailed interpretative commentary. |
Rigour, reflection and reflexivity | Four broad principles are used to judge the credibility of IPA: sensitivity to context; commitment and rigour in undertaking the analysis; transparency and coherence of the narrative produced and impact and importance.6 Strategies to establish trust and credibility in IPA include:
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