Bri Carter: Reflection on the Phenomenological Approach

     The Phenomenological Approach has been quite difficult for me to completely wrap my head around. One thing that I am completely clear of is the fact that it prioritizes the human experience over the objective; something that is unique in terms of data collecting. Another point that I find interesting is that the experiences can be entirely defined with subjective language without being right or wrong, rather just a reflection of what is observed. Exploration works well as a vessel for said observations. 

    In the Appalachian Trail example found in the textbook, I gathered that based on the mode of exploration it shapes what the experience is interpreted as. A scenic drive through the Appalachian Trail is a much different experience than hiking it from north to south. To the hiker it becomes more real; the hiker has stepped in the mud, smelled the rain, and seen the creations. Overall they have become more exposed to the underlying beauty along the trail, not just seen at the top of the overlook. 

    This is not to put down the experience of the driver, whose exposure is distinctively their own. The time of day, people they asked for directions, and playlist they chose to sing along to while driving up the incline is an entirely different participation that holds a separate value than the hiker. 

    The Phenomenological Approach accounts for experience and exploration for everyone and of everything. The experiences between the driver and hiker, though are very different, are likely to overlap in some form. There will be something to learn from each of their experiences as well. The significance of the Phenomenological Approach lies within its ability to capture the personal sensory experiences of thinking, sensing, and feeling. 

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