Open AccessHeuristic Inquiry: A Personal Journey of Acculturation and Identity Reconstruction
Author(s) -
Ivana Djuraskovic,
Nancy Arthur
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 35
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2010.1361
Subject(s) - heuristic , meaning (existential) , epistemology , phenomenon , identity (music) , psychology , sociology , social psychology , computer science , aesthetics , philosophy
Heuristic methodology attempts to discover the nature and meaning of phenomenon through internal self-search, exploration, and discovery. Heuristic methodology encourages the researcher to explore and pursue the creative journey that begins inside one's being and ultimately uncovers its direction and meaning through internal discovery (Douglass & Moustakas, 1985). The purpose of this paper is to familiarize readers with using heuristic methodology in research. I (Ivana) share my personal notes of how I decided to use heuristic methodology in my research. In the discussion, I address the nature of heuristic methodology, including its limitations. Finally, I present excerpts from a creative synthesis in the form of three letters to illuminate the final self-reflections about the results of my research.