Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): Basic underpinnings and applications in research

Abstract

In the context of qualitative research, the objective in this study is to address the basic underpinnings and the potential applications of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a theoretical-methodological framework. IPA is grounded in concepts and the articulation of three knowledge areas: phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography. This text deals with the introduction and characteristics, potentialities, limitations of, and - more specifically - introduce and discusses theoretical and practical IPA applications in research. Although it is well established internationally, a limited number of studies in Brazil are grounded in IPA. Therefore, this paper is expected to contribute to the dissemination of the approach in the Brazilian context by filling the existing gap and, as a result, inspire and encourage the development of new studies.