Supporting Critical Self-enquiry: Doing Heuristic Research

Abstract

Requiring disciplined and critical self-reflection and engagement in a process of discovery-of self and others-heuristic research is a method of psychological research close to the practice of therapy. Drawing on the pioneering work of Moustakas (Heuristic research: Design, methodology and applications. Sage, 1990) as well as other heuristic researchers, notably Sela-Smith (Journal of Humanistic Psychology 42:53-88, 2002), the author of chapter 4 summarises key concepts of the heuristic method and methodology with illustrations from the literature, his own heuristic research, and some research students. This chapter discusses key concepts of heurism which acknowledge its methodology and philosophical roots, and takes the reader through the various stages or processes of heuristic research.