In the Weeds: The Lived Experience of Phenomenological Data Analysis with Liz Shaw

<p>What does it actually feel like to analyse data phenomenologically?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Phenomenology Collective</em>, we step into one of the most challenging—and often isolating—phases of phenomenological research: data analysis.</p><p>Without a step-by-step guide, researchers are left with rich, complex material and a deceptively simple question: <em>what now?</em> From transcripts and artefacts to meaning, interpretation, and insight, this episode explores what it means to truly <em>work with</em> data rather than simply process it.</p><p>We’re joined by doctoral researcher Liz Shaw, who shares an honest, in-the-moment account of being immersed in interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Together, we explore the tensions, uncertainties, and unexpected moments of discovery that come with dwelling deeply in data.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p><ul><li>What “dwelling with data” really means in practice</li><li>Why phenomenological analysis is slow, messy, and deeply relational</li><li>The tension between researcher voice and participant voice</li><li>Navigating uncertainty, doubt, and the feeling of being “lost”</li><li>The discipline of staying anchored to your research question</li><li>Why analysis is never truly finished—only paused</li></ul><p>We also reflect on the emotional texture of this stage—where exhaustion and joy often sit side by side—and why that discomfort may be a sign that meaningful work is happening.</p><p>Whether you’re in the middle of your own analysis or preparing to begin, this episode offers reassurance that feeling uncertain isn’t a failure—it’s part of doing phenomenology well.</p>