Collaborative Reflections on a Practical Journey Through Transcendental Phenomenology Data Analysis

Authors

Tyler Kulp, Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington, USAFollow
Hissah Alzahrani, Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington, USAFollow
Michele Parker, Watson College of Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington, USAFollow

Abstract

Although transcendental phenomenology is widely recognized in qualitative research, there is limited discussion of how researchers come to understand and apply its methods in practice. This paper examines how reflective collaboration enhances the understanding and use of transcendental phenomenological analysis. It involves the first author, a recent doctoral graduate, the second author, a current doctoral student, and the third author, the doctoral advisor, using a collaborative approach. We draw upon the first author’s dissertation, providing clear, actionable guidance for simplifying the analysis process. The discussion highlights the value of collaborative reflection in making the methodology more accessible and enriching understanding through shared perspectives, ultimately advancing qualitative research skills and deepening engagement with transcendental phenomenology.

Keywords

phenomenology, experience, data analysis, stages, reflection, collaboration

Author Bio(s)

Dr. Kulp is a principal in east Charlotte and a recent graduate of the UNCW Educational Leadership Ed.D. program. Lease direct correspondence to tylerkulp21@gmail.com

Ms. Hissah Alzahrani is a graduate student in the UNCW Educational Leadership Ed.D. program.

Dr. Parker is a distinguished faculty member of the Watson College of Education at UNCW and the chair of Dr. Kulp's dissertation.

Acknowledgements

No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript. The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.  No conflicts or competing interests directly or indirectly relate to the work submitted for publication. This manuscript has not been published before; it is not under consideration for publication anywhere else. This manuscript has been approved by all co-authors, if any, and by the responsible authorities – tacitly or explicitly – at the institute where the work has been carried out. The publisher will not be held legally responsible should there be any compensation claims.  While the data is unavailable, all authors have ensured that all data materials and software applications support their published claims and comply with field standards.  Study H24-0439 was reviewed by the UNCW Institutional Review Board Office and was determined to be exempt from further review according to the regulatory category cited above under 45 CFR 46.104(d). There is no other identifying information related to the authors and/or their institutions, funders, approval committees, etc. that might compromise anonymity.

Publication Date

9-30-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7973

Recommended APA Citation

Kulp, T., Alzahrani, H., & Parker, M. (2025). Collaborative reflections on a practical journey through transcendental phenomenology data analysis. The Qualitative Report, 30(9), 4356-4370. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2025.7973

ORCID ID

0009-0004-3657-8637