Segundo estudio relacionado al tema de investigación en BRASIL: Antonella

In the following section, the phenomenological approach is discussed as a solution to this problem of complexity. In order to make sense of the events that unfold and of our perceptions, humans must interpret the world using their previous experiences and their internal frame of reference i.e. if we are exposed to a novel experience or thing we will contextualise it within our previous knowledge. It can be argued that because of the way in which we perceive our world (with our previous experiences) humans are prone to bring in their biases and a nomothetic truth (based on science) is naturally

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flawed. Therefore, an idiographic truth (based on humanities and cultural aspects) is a more realistic set of knowledge that we can feasibly obtain; especially when dealing with complex systems

(Hannigan and Coffey 2011).

Interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) uses an idiographic approach, hermeneutics and symbolic interactionism as a philosophy that underpins it and as a distinct methodology (Smith et al 2009). Ontologically, IPA is congruent with a social constructivist view of the world in that knowledge is acquired through our social interactions with others and it attempts to focus, explore and analyse specific phenomena that occur within individuals lives and experiences (Smith et al 2009). Smith et al (2009) also state that IPA because it requires meaning making is similar to narrative analysis.

Eatough and Smith (2008) state that IPA is in synchrony with social constructionism which positions historical and sociocultural factors as integral to how humans perceive and understand the world around us and our daily lives; importantly, how we create narratives about our lives and how we share these are integral to this learning process, which give us insight into the world around us (Daiute and Lightfoot 2004). Although, Eatough and Smith (2008) describe IPA lower scale of social

constructionism due to the fact that IPA it could be argued takes in a broader view.

The above ontological position is congruent with ODA philosophical stance in that it too has a social constructionist ideology and through therapy attempts to create understanding through dialogue or a narrative. In this way both ODA and IPA are epistemologically similar that they explore and analyse dialogue in an interpretative and idiographic way. However, IPA is by nature phenomenological in that it explores specific phenomenon, and in turn phenomenology is part of the modernist view and the realist view because it attempts to sense make the real world (Finaly 2009, Moran 2000). Finlay (2009) argues that because phenomenology is dynamic and mercurial e.g. thoughts, beliefs and knowledge can change over time therefore coming to a fundamental truth (the modernist agenda) within phenomenology is questionable. Finlay (2009) suggests that in relation to phenomenology, reality and truth are subjective from the individual’s perspective and that of the researcher’s; that is, knowledge and truth is subject to change between the researcher and the subject

Therefore, this study has applied a complex realist lens and used an IPA methodological research approach to study the phenomena of using ODA in a UK setting. As I have described my theoretical position has moved, changed and grown during the course of undertaking this thesis thereby ensuring that my research has engaged new theories in looking for a ‘best fit’ approach to undertake this work.

4.4 SUMMARY

This work has used an idiographic IPA approach that has required the engagement of participants to explore and share their emic (inside) perspective, requiring the coalescing of multiple perspectives to form an understanding of multiple realities explore the phenomena of ODA from the participants’ viewpoint. Epistemological and ontologically this work has engaged with the contextual, qualitative,

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subjective and dynamic process that is involved in the creation of a shared narrative. Therefore, shared realities were collected and collated during this process which engaged my value system and that of my participants.

Therefore, my ontological position is relativism and within this research I will use a complex systems approach or more specifically a complex realist lens in that I believe we are material creatures that are being influenced by our external and internal environments in numerous and complex ways. However, to understand the complex social systems around us I require a social constructionist lens/ complex realist approach. This will allow the research to be framed within a more informed position, through enabling me to understand my biases and blind spots in the way I analysed the data that has been generated. It is vital that my personal views and research practice were without conflict and were in accord with each other.

This theoretical position and framework have provided me with the tools to explore and visualise the experiences of participants who have used ODA philosophy and has provided insights into the potential effects of this on surrounding areas or services.

59 5. METHODOLOGY

I have discussed the methodological choices that could have been used within this study and why I chose a qualitative approach and in particular IPA. This study will focus on the relational experiences of n.5 mental health practitioners who have used ODA in their current practice. IPA was a powerful tool to explore what ODA has meant to them and how it has been experienced by them. According to Smith et al (2009) IPA is the most suitable approach to understand how people make sense of their experiences.

The aims and objectives of the study were:

 To explore nurses’ experiences when using ODA.

 To explore nurses’ perceptions of ODA culture (more empowering of service users) compared to other mental health cultures (medical model led, legislative framework) within a local health board.