From Uncomfortable Squirm to Self-Discovery: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Bracketing Experience

Abstract

Bracketing (also called epoche) is fundamental in phenomenological philosophy and is a widely recognized practice in phenomenological and other qualitative research methodologies. Bracketing definitions, types, and procedures still generate debate among contemporary phenomenological methodologists and other qualitative researchers. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the dialogue about the topic of bracketing with empirical research on one of its forms. In this study, we analyzed self-reflection reports of doctoral students who had engaged in a bracketing interview and subsequent group analysis. Our results show that the bracketing process can be an educational and revelatory experience for the novice researcher including heightening awareness of their presuppositions and other commonly discussed benefits in the literature. An unanticipated finding includes the powerful effect of bracketing as a springboard to developing a researcher identity. Being understood and validated by the research group was a unique experience for participants that helped to dispel student feelings of being an impostor and/or inadequately prepared to conduct doctoral research. Implications for improving the bracketing process for novice researchers include clear communication prior to bracketing and explicit instruction on research journaling.