Bracketing

Bracketing

Bracketing is a concept in phenomenological research that involves the temporary suspension of the researcher's preconceptions, biases, and prior knowledge about the phenomenon under investigation. The purpose of bracketing is to approach the study with an open mind, allowing the essence of the phenomenon to emerge from the data without being influenced by the researcher's personal experiences or theoretical presuppositions. This process enables the researcher to focus solely on the participants' lived experiences and descriptions, ensuring that the findings are grounded in the data rather than the researcher's own interpretations. Bracketing is a crucial aspect of transcendental phenomenology, as proposed by Edmund Husserl, which aims to capture the pure, unadulterated essence of a phenomenon. It involves setting aside or bracketing out the natural attitude, which includes everyday assumptions, scientific theories, and cultural norms, to attain a state of transcendental subjectivity. By engaging in bracketing, researchers can delve into the participants' lifeworld and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences from their unique perspectives. However, the concept of bracketing has been subject to debate, with some scholars arguing that complete bracketing is impossible, as researchers cannot entirely separate themselves from their own experiences and knowledge. Despite this critique, bracketing remains a fundamental principle in phenomenological research, serving as a means to enhance the trustworthiness and credibility of the findings by minimizing the influence of researcher bias.

phenomenology, qualitative research, researcher bias, lived experience, transcendental subjectivity, epoché, lifeworld

— John Armstrong

CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Bracketing.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=434021 (Accessed on January 24, 2026)"