Discovering lived experiences through descriptive phenomenology.

Abstract

• Purpose This article explores the reasons why descriptive phenomenology can provide an improved understanding of hospitality, tourism and event experiences. This is achieved through two objectives: firstly, by revealing the complexities and philosophical depths of descriptive phenomenology; secondly, by providing a practical, stepped, method that offers rigour and transparency. • Design/methodology/approach This article is based upon a study that explored the lived experience of the popular music festival-goer. It generally discusses the phenomenological philosophies of Husserl (1965 [1911]) and the descriptive phenomenological method in psychology of Giorgi (2009). It identifies some of the challenges and criticisms of descriptive phenomenology but also the strengths of using a scientific approach to phenomenological research. • Findings The philosophical strengths underlying descriptive phenomenology affords a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied. The lived experience music festival study illustrates that the method of data collection and analysis highlights the intricacy of the philosophical debate and research findings. Although the bracketing, or epoché, method of descriptive phenomenology has been criticised, the actual application is far more complex than trying to blank out prior knowledge. The aim is to ensure that it is the participants’ experiences that are used to identify the structure that is the phenomenon rather than the personal interpretation of the researcher. • Originality/value It is recognised that researching the life-world affords a greater depth of understanding of experiences in people’s lives. One of the disappointments has been that one branch of phenomenological research, descriptive phenomenology, has been under-utilised and at times misunderstood in hospitality, tourism and event research. This article aims to demonstrate and illustrate why and how descriptive phenomenology should be considered in the future research of such experiences.