Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What qualitative research method is used by a nurse studying the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors?

1. Phenomenology

2. Grounded theory

3. Ethnography

4. Historical

The correct answer is: Phenomenology

Phenomenology is the qualitative research method that focuses on understanding the lived experiences of individuals. A nurse studying the experiences of breast cancer survivors would utilize this approach to delve into the personal, subjective perceptions and meanings that these individuals attach to their experiences with the illness, treatment, and recovery process. The essence of phenomenology is to capture the rich, detailed accounts of personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of context and individual perception. In contrast, grounded theory aims to generate a theory based on data collected from participants, which might not specifically focus on the individual experiences of survivors. Ethnography typically involves in-depth studying of cultures or social groups, often requiring long-term engagement in the community, which would not be the primary focus for exploring personal health experiences. Historical methods examine events in the past, exploring how they impact the present, rather than assessing current lived experiences. Therefore, the best fit for capturing the essence of personal experiences of breast cancer survivors is phenomenology.