Nursing Professor Suzanne Dickerson Co-Authors New Book on Phenomenological Research

UB School of Nursing Professor Suzanne Dickerson, PhD, RN, has partnered with a group of international scholars to launch a new book, “Doing Hermeneutic Phenomenological Research: A Practical Guide.”

The new guide offers an approachable introduction to hermeneutic phenomenological research across the health and social sciences. Grounded in real-world research, it integrates philosophy, methodology and method in accessible ways, helping readers realize the potential of using phenomenology to guide research. The book maps the complete research process and shows how to apply key philosophical tenets to your project, demonstrating the close relationship between philosophy and research practice. 

“The goal of this research is to gain an understand of the meaning of human experience," Dickerson says. “To discuss the philosophical underpinnings of the research, this group of national and international scholars gathers annually. After years of scholars and doctoral students asking questions about the methodology, we decided that we needed to sit down and gather all of this together into a helpful book.”

In addition to Dickerson, the international team of scholars included Lesley Dibley from the University of Greenwich, Mel Duffy from Dublin City University’s School of Nursing Psychotherapy and Community Health, and Roxanne Vandermause from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing.

“We’ve worked really hard to help people with this method,” Dickerson says. “I’ve had many doctoral students have wonderful projects that are really making a difference in the world. Now, I’m seeing other research teams are wanting to have this perspective on their studies and clinical trials. It’s really exciting and we see it growing.”

Learn more about the book on the SAGE Publishing website.