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Qualitative Research in Psychology

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J.A. Smith, P. Flower and M. Larkin

(2009), Interpretative Phenomenological
Analysis: Theory, Method and Research.
a
Lucy Tindall
a
Coventry University , UK
Published online: 11 Nov 2009.

To cite this article: Lucy Tindall (2009) J.A. Smith, P. Flower and M. Larkin (2009), Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research., Qualitative Research in Psychology, 6:4,
346-347, DOI: 10.1080/14780880903340091

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 Qualitative Research in Psychology, 6:346–347, 2009
Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 1478-0887 print/1478-0895 online
DOI: 10.1080/14780880903340091

Book Review
1478-0895 Research in Psychology,
1478-0887
UQRP
Qualitative Psychology Vol. 6, No. 4, October 2009: pp. 0–0

J.A. Smith, P. Flower and M. Larkin (2009). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis:

Theory, Method and Research. London: Sage.

Lucy Tindall
Book Review
Downloaded by [University of California, San Francisco] at 22:50 21 December 2014

Coventry University, UK

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research provides a

comprehensive guide to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) suitable for
individuals of all abilities. Presenting information in three distinct sections, Smith et al.
discuss the approach from its initial development to its current position in qualitative
research, while demonstrating its practical application. IPA is presented in a way that
allows the reader to decide whether to read the book from cover to cover or simply use it
as a reference book.
Section A begins with an informative introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of
IPA including phenomenology; the study of experience, hermeneutics; the theory of inter-
pretation and idiography; concerning the particular. The discussion of each of these
enables the reader to become familiar with some of the concepts that underpin IPA and
thus develop a greater understanding of the approach. To assist with explaining these com-
plex concepts, the authors provide summaries of the work of key theorists within these
areas (e.g., Husserl, Heidegger, Schleiermacher, Gadamer). Although sufficient detail sur-
rounding each of these is presented, useful references to further reading are also provided.
The remainder of section A guides the reader on planning a practical IPA covering, col-
lecting and analyzing data and successfully reporting findings. Presented both comprehen-
sively and coherently, information is provided about issues from choosing a suitable topic to
investigate to reporting findings, including sampling, interviewing schedules, and conducting
interviews. Alongside each, useful tips are provided to the researcher, including information
about the types of questions to use and those to avoid when interviewing, methods to make
clustering themes easier, and how best to present themes in a tabular format. Through identi-
fying common difficulties and mistakes typically made with the application of IPA reassur-
ance is given to readers that their ability to apply the approach will improve with practice.
Furthermore, practical exercises are presented for readers to attempt in order to become familiar
with and gain confidence in formulating research questions and conducting interviews prior
to completing an IPA. In sum, section A provides a detailed overview of the approach, intro-
ducing the theoretical underpinnings needed to understand its practical application.
Section B comprises four chapters, each providing worked examples of IPA taken
from the authors’ own research. Examples are presented in their entirety and thus not only
demonstrate how to carry out an analysis but also how to include IPA in a report from the
introduction through to the discussion. The research selected by the authors provides an
overview of the application of IPA across four distinct topics within psychology; health
and illness, sex and sexuality, psychological distress and life transitions and identity. The
diversity in the choice of subject areas demonstrates the dynamic nature of IPA and its
wide ranging application. Furthermore, the interesting topics selected not only demonstrate

346
 Book Review 347

the broad application of IPA but also captivate the reader’s attention, which assists in the
consolidation of information relative to the approach. In addition, references to further
work in these subject areas that employ IPA are provided. Not only do these references
allow readers to further examine the practical application of IPA, but they also allow them
to further explore some of the issues within the interesting subject areas highlighted in the
examples.
The final section of the book examines current issues in relation to IPA, including
assessing its validity and examining its relationships with other approaches. Regarding
validity, the authors highlight how dissatisfaction resides surrounding how qualitative
research is evaluated, often using criteria for quantitative analyses, a topic of ongoing
debate within this field. Consequently, the authors present a specific approach to assessing
Downloaded by [University of California, San Francisco] at 22:50 21 December 2014

validity produced by Yardley (2000), which comprises four principles to be used when
assessing qualitative work: sensitivity to context, commitment and rigor, transparency and
coherence, and impact and importance. In response to each principle highlighted, Smith et
al. describe IPAs positioning with each, demonstrating the validity of the approach. Not
only is Yardley’s approach broad ranging and therefore flexible in its application, but it is
also simple to follow. The authors then examine the relationship between IPA and a number
of core concepts within psychology (emotion, cognitions, language and culture) before
contrasting IPA’s positioning with other phenomenological approaches and making a
comparison between IPA and grounded theory. Here references to early chapters allow the
reader to revisit some of the issues covered earlier to aid understanding.
The concluding chapter provides an insight into the authors’ expectations for future
developments with the method, including synthesizing IPA with other qualitative methods
and increasing its use in mixed method designs. Although the authors justify their reasons
for these developments, they emphasize the need for the core concerns of IPA to be recog-
nized and remain central.
Smith et al. have provided an insightful book that educates readers of all abilities in a
comprehensive manner. It achieves this by providing a clear guide to the approach, covering
key concepts to assist beginners yet also places the focus on current debates to offer
further insights to more experienced researchers. The use of hints and tips throughout the
book further aids the confidence of the reader in applying the approach while recom-
mended reading allows a deeper understanding of the approach to be gained. My only dif-
ficulty with this book was that the authors tended to overintroduce new chapters which left
me, as a reader, sometimes feeling overloaded with detail. A more concise approach to
introducing chapters may make people more inclined to read it cover to cover.
As an MSc student completing a dissertation employing IPA, I read this book in the
hope that both my knowledge of the approach and my confidence in applying it would be
extended, and I was not disappointed. This book certainly satisfied the needs I had regard-
ing enhancing my knowledge of the approach. As such, despite the application of IPA
being a relatively new concept to me, I did not feel it necessary to look elsewhere for
information about the approach. At the start of the book the authors highlighted how they
hoped that individuals would return to the book alongside alterations in their needs and
level of experience. I certainly would, suggesting that the authors have achieved their
desired aims. Consequently, I would recommend this book to others of any ability who
want to increase both their understanding of IPA and to gain confidence in applying it.

References
Yardley, L 2000, ‘Dilemmas in qualitative health research’, Psychology and Health, vol. 15, pp. 215–228.