An Integrative Methodology for Investigating Lived Experience and the Psychosocial Factors Influencing Environmental Cognition and Behaviour

Abstract

This chapter describes a methodology for investigating lived experience, and explains the underlying philosophy and procedures for generating, analysing and interpreting data. This methodology was used to research psychosocial factors affecting enactment of pro-environmental values by sustainability managers. The study situated the research subjects in the dynamics of their work settings and the socio-cultural context in which they and their organisations are embedded. The methodology is transdisciplinary, integrating Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis with frame and metaphor analysis, and draws upon systems thinking concepts as well as theories of psychological threat and coping, needs, emotion and embodied cognition. The methodology enabled the identification and modelling of multiple cross-level factors. An example of analytic commentary is included, demonstrating the nuanced in-depth insights that can be generated with this approach.