Alchemy methodology: transforming qualitative research

Conference Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Vallack, Jocene
Abstract

Alchemy Methodology is an application of Husserl's Transcendental Phenomenology, which offers a philosophical foundation for doing research. It returns to the original principles of pure phenomenology, and presents a step by step approach to inquiry, based on one's own, personal experiences. In keeping with the theoretical perspective of Transcendental Phenomenology, it is informed through an epistemology of Objectivism. The paper will clarify this argument, and present Alchemy Methodology as a rigorous, theoretical framework for the application of Husserls pure Phenomenology, and as a research methodology most suited to artists, writers and psychotherapists. The three main ideas presented here are that: • Phenomenology as a popular research methodology has metamorphosed into an approach that is epistemologically at odds with Husserl's original conception. The paper will challenge the contemporary misconstruction of Phenomenology in research, and explain the reasons for Phenomenology's reconfiguration in terms of historical context and twentieth century modernism. It will explain that Heidegger's torture of Husserl's terminology has resulted in qualitative researchers' misunderstanding Phenomenology – seeing it more as a form of Grounded Research than anything resembling Husserl's simple and exquisite philosophy. • Alchemy Methodology offers a rigorous theoretical framework for the application of Husserl's pure Phenomenology • Alchemy Methodology is suited to writers, artists and scholars with an appreciation of psychoanalysis. It seeks to draw universal insights from personal and creative methods of data collection. I will outline examples of how Alchemy Methodology has been applied to arts-based research, and argue that unlike methodologies that are based on subjectivist epistemologies, this first-person data approach is actually informed by Objectivism, and seeks transcendental objects of universal significance.

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AARE 2016: Australian Association for Research in Education Conference

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10

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Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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Australian Association for Research in Education

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Canberra, ACT, Australia

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