Micro-phenomenology
The micro-phenomenological interview is a methodology for the study of lived experience developed in the field of cognitive science. It is characterized by its practical approach: uses and develops specific tools and procedures to help a person get in touch with and describe his or her experience with great precision. It derives from "L'entretien d'explicitation", an interview method developed by the French psychologist Pierre Vermersch to investigate the procedural aspect of learning and problem solving. Subsequently, it was developed in the context of cognitive sciences by Claire Petitmengin as part of the neurophenomenology project, a research program proposed by Francisco Varela to develop a science of consciousness.
OUR
TRAINING
Our training, developed in collaboration with the Micro-phenomenology Lab directed by Claire Petitmengin, addresses the techniques of conduction and analysis of the micro-phenomenological interview applied to the development of an investigation. The contents are organized into thematic modules: one on conduction and another on the analysis of the interviews, reinforced by practice and supervision sessions (PyS) and an optional certification process.
We carry trainings in Spanish, in English and in Portuguese in an online and face-to-face formats.
In general terms, the modules are characterized by the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, in which the participants are progressively introduced to and familiarized with key concepts and practical tools of the method. Teaching and learning strategies are proposed, which include presentations, small groups exercises, group discussions and individual work.
The practice and supervision sessions (PyS) are feedback spaces, which offer the possibility of expressing doubts, observations, etc. regarding the topics and practical exercises developed in the modules and in the requested autonomous work. Participants are encouraged to propose the inquiry of experiences related to their research questions; work on an interview plan or guide and/or review an interview already conducted.
The certification process involves carrying out a small investigation using the micro-phenomenological method in which the participant is accompanied in the formulation of a research question, the design of an experiential protocol, and the reporting of the results. As part of this process, the participant's abilities to conduct and analyze the micro-phenomenological interview are evaluated.
The training provides learning experiences to a group of participants who, in general, work in different disciplines and countries, generating a space for exchange and dialogue where the appropriation of the methodology is carried out in a very enriching context.
Micro-phenomenology
Interview module
Conducting the micro-phenomenological interview has the particularity of helping the interviewee redirect their attention from the contents of their experience to the actions and processes that make possible the appearance of those contents.
This module provides all the tools to conduct a micro-phenomenological interview, familiarizing the participant with the frame of reference in which micro-phenomenology is situated and providing the conceptual basis for the tools studied.
Learning objectives
-
To introduce the participant to the micro-phenomenological interview, considering its theoretical background, characteristics and application possibilities;
-
To provide the tools to guide the interviewee in: evoking a singular experience; identifying the types of information in the interviewee's description; gathering the procedural dimension of the experience; deepening the description of the diachronic and synchronic dimensions of the experience while minimizing induction.
-
To familiarize the participants with the process of becoming aware of one's own experience and its description.
Micro-phenomenology
Analysis
module
The analysis is a process of abstraction, which uses iterative questioning as a mechanism to identify invariants of both diachronic and synchronic dimensions of experience, which allow us to build the generic structure of a given experience.
This module provides all the tools for the analysis of the micro-phenomenological interview.
Learning objectives:
-
To familiarize the participant with the conceptual framework of the micro-phenomenological analysis approach and its validity criteria;
-
To provide the tools to prepare the data;
-
To identify the diachronic structure and synchronic structures of a singular experience;
-
To identify the diachronic and synchronic structures of a group of interviews;
-
To report the results.
Micro-phenomenology
Certification
The certification in Micro-phenomenology research is a guarantee of competence in the micro-phenomenological interview and analysis techniques and their use in a research context. It is required to claim expertise in Micro-phenomenology in conferences or articles presenting research results.
The certification is provided by A MATHA, school of body phenomenology, together with the Micro-phenomenology Lab.
The conditions for obtaining the certification are the following:
-
Participation in an online or in person Micro-phenomenological interview and training (35 – 40 hours) offered by a certified teacher.
-
Participation in an online or in person Micro-phenomenological analysis training (35 – 40 hours) offered by a certified teacher.
-
Submission of a transcript of an interview commented according to the self-assessment sheet and satisfying at least 70% of the quality criteria.
-
Submission of a self-evaluated specific analysis commented according to the self-assessment sheet and satisfying at least 70% of the quality criteria.
-
Submitting a research report using the micro-phenomenological interview and analysis methods.
Here you can download the details of the application procedure and documents.
Micro-phenomenology
Practice & Supervision Sessions
The practice and supervision sessions (P&S) are spaces for feedback, which offer the possibility to share doubts regarding the application of the micro-phenomenological method. Participants are encouraged to bring concrete doubts and material related to their research questions. Examples of the activities we do are: to work on an interview plan, to go through an interview already conducted, to look at analysis difficulties and/or to supervise the work to be delivered as part of the certification.
In addition to the group sessions of each module, it is possible to request individual sessions.
