Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Theory, Method and Research
- Jonathan A. Smith - Birkbeck University of London, UK
- Paul Flowers - University of Strathclyde, UK
- Michael Larkin
Qualitative Research | Research Methods & Evaluation | Research Methods in Psychology
Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) is a qualitative research approach committed to the examination of how people make sense of their major life experiences. This text provides a detailed guide to conducting IPA research, presenting the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, a comprehensive overview of the stages of an IPA research project, and examples of high-quality IPA studies.
Extended worked examples from the authors' own studies in health, psychological distress, and identity illustrate the breadth and depth of IPA research, making this book the definitive guide to IPA for students and researchers alike.
New to this edition:
- A thoroughly updated chapter dedicated to analysis
- An exemplary mini-study
- Improved and updated terminology
- A chapter discussing innovations in design, data collection, and collaboration
'It is not often I can use "accessible" and "phenomenology" in the same sentence, but reading the new book, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis…certainly provides me the occasion to do so. I can say this because these authors provide an engaging and clear introduction to a relatively new analytical approach' - The Weekly Qualitative Report
I have been using this book since it was published - recommending it to undergraduate and postgraduate students both as the definitive account of the IPA approach and as an accessible introduction to experiential qualitative research more broadly. The chapters on designing an IPA study, collecting and analysing data, and writing up an IPA study in particular are excellent...This book remains an invaluable addition to the toolkit of resources for teachers and students of qualitative research, and I thoroughly recommend it to both.
Seminal text on IPA. Well written
An essential read for anyone choosing IPA as their methodology. Covers everything you could want to know
Useful text for medical imaging qualitative research
useful for research methods module
This is a fantastic resources for both undergraduate and post graduate students trying their hands at IPA. The three chapters on designing an IPA study, collecting and analysing data, and writing up an IPA study serve as a step-by step guide for those using it for the first time and revisiting. Super.
This is an important text and highly relevant for nursing students. The new edition includes additional information about the latest developments in IPA.
A clear and accurate guide to IPA which is increasingly popular with postgraduate researchers.
Perfect! The best book for teaching IPA
The 1st edition has been a sort of 'holy writ' in my students' (and my) work with IPA - an invaluable resource.
This second edition is likely to be no different. I think the significant changes / additions are these:
The quality measures chapter - very helpful in the contested area of 'quality' in qualitative research;
The introduction of the PET and GET terms as part of the analysis process; and
The extension of the use of examples of exemplary research.
I think this text is a good addition to our resources and I've asked for umpteen copies to be purchased by our library.
