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Intuitive Inquiry: An Epistemology of

the Heart for Scientific Inquiry.

By Anderson, Rosemarie

The Humanistic Psychologist, Vol 32(4), Fal 2004, 307-341

Abstract
Intuitive inquiry is a hermeneutical research method that joins intuition to
intellectual precision. Intuitive researchers explore topics that claim their
enthusiasm and invite the inquiry to transform both their understanding of
the topic and their lives. As a method, intuitive inquiry seeks to both
describe what is and envision new possibilities for the future through an in-
depth, reflection process of interpretation. Five types of intuition are
identified, namely (a) unconscious or symbolic processes, (b) psychic or
parapsychological experiences, (c) sensory modes, (d) empathetic
identification, and (e) the illuminating presence of wounds in the
personality. Five iterative cycles of interpretation are explicated: Cycle 1,
Clarifying the Research Topic; Cycle 2, Identifying Preliminary Lenses, Cycle
3, Collecting Original Data and Preparing Summary Reports; Cycle 4,
Transforming and Refining Lenses; and Cycle 5, Integration of Findings and
Literature Review. Each cycle is illustrated with examples from current
research. As a new research method, there are many challenges to doing
intuitive inquiry well, including (a) being rigorously aware of one's internal
processes or perspective, (b) avoiding circularity, (c) telling the truth, (d)
auspicious bewilderment, (e) writing in one's own voice, (f) imagining the
possible, and (g) risking personal transformation. In conclusion, Resonance
and Efficacy Validity are introduced as new ways to evaluate the validity of
postmodern research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights
reserved)

http://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2005-05769-001