A human rights consideration of public involvement and phenomenological research

The aim of this article is to encourage phenomenological research that involves members of the public to inform the design of research to ensure outputs are relevant whilst maintaining methodological integrity.

This article explores the relevance of public involvement in research design and application. In particular, consideration of human rights is examined in relation to phenomenological research with some reflection on a study which explored the lived experience of transition from adolescence to adulthood for young people living with cerebral palsy.

Methodological issues relating to public involvement, human rights, and the potential challenges this may present for phenomenological researchers are explored. Consideration is provided as to what public involvement might mean in terms of generating and analysing data and how phenomenological researchers understand core principles such as phenomenological reduction, the epoché, and Dasein, with examples provided as to what might be possible to promote public involvement.

With well-designed public involvement, phenomenological research might be regarded with greater credibility by rehabilitation professionals.