Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows -
Phenomenology lies on the opposite side of the explanatory gap from computational theories. It is the study of consciousness from the first-person perspective-how the world appears to me. There is a long tradition of phenomenology in European philosophy and psychology, but it is sometimes dismissed as a legitimate approach to the study of perception, because it is inherently subjective. Scientific approaches are usually considered to require objective methods. However, phenomenological studies can be performed using a variant of standard empirical scientific methods, including hypothesis generation and observation. There are several key differences between conventional psychophysical observations and phenomenological observations. The convention in psychophysics is to keep subjects naïve as to the purpose of the experiment, and give them a well-defined task with highly constrained responses such as "yes" versus "no". In phenomenological experiments subjects are often fully informed about the purpose of the experiment, and their task is kept relatively open with loosely constrained responses. Response classification may occur only after the data have been examined. A key check on validity in phenomenological experiments is intersubjectivity, or agreement among individuals about the nature of their perceptual experience.
Phenomenology: Defining Intersubjectivity and Validity
The provided passage explains phenomenology as the study of consciousness from the first-person perspective , focusing on how the world appears to an individual. This approach contrasts with explanatory gaps and computational theories, finding roots in European philosophy and psychology.
While scientific approaches typically require objective methods , phenomenology, being inherently subjective , can still employ modified empirical scientific methods. These include generating hypotheses and making observations.
Comparing Experimental Approaches
The passage highlights key differences between conventional psychophysical observations and phenomenological ones:
- Conventional Psychophysics: Participants (subjects) are often kept unaware of the experiment's specific purpose. They are given tasks with clearly defined, limited response options, such as simple "yes" or "no" answers.
- Phenomenological Experiments: Participants are typically well-informed about the experiment's goals. Their task is more open-ended, allowing for responses that are less constrained. The classification of responses often happens after the data collection and initial examination.
The Role of Intersubjectivity in Validity
A crucial aspect mentioned for ensuring the trustworthiness of phenomenological findings is intersubjectivity . The text defines this as the agreement among individuals about the nature of their perceptual experience .
According to the passage, this consensus or agreement among different people regarding their perceptions serves as "A key check on validity in phenomenological experiments." Therefore, when the question asks about the concept related to consensus among persons about a perception in phenomenology, the correct answer, as supported by the text, is Validity . This means that if multiple individuals share similar perceptual experiences and agree on their descriptions, it strengthens the validity of those findings within a phenomenological context.
Important Questions from Scientific Method of research - Teaching
- Scientific Observations are based on ________.
- Arrange the steps of scientific research.
A. General research questions
B. Collection of data
C. Analysis of data
D. Review of related literature
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: - Why prediction of human behaviour is not easy?
- Which of the following statement is CORRECT according to the paragraph?
- Applying the approaches of gathering knowledge in physical and biological sciences to the social sciences:
