An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Taking Regular Physical Activity (Research Paper Sample)

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of taking regular physical activity
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Section 1: Rationale
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to examine how the participants experience the perceptions of regular physical exercise.
The benefits of physical activity are both medicinal and protective (Myers, 2008; Warburton, Charlesworth, Ivey, Nettlefold, & Bredin, 2010) and emotional (Donaghy, 2007; Stanton, Happell, & Reaburn, 2014). Governments in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia prescribe a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes of high intensity activity regularly (Weed, 2016), with British recommendations requiring two physical workout sessions. Nonetheless, rates of inactivity remain high; in the UK, 39 percent of people do not comply with policy guidelines, and 60 percent do not care about them (British Heart Foundation, 2017).
Several researches have taken into account the global decrease of physical activity and the rise in incidence of obesity and other diseases (World Health Organization, 2010). Physical exercise may minimize this harm, thus developing and preserving strong bone and muscle, reducing obesity, reducing tension and depression, and encouraging well-being and a healthier life (Chobaniev et al, 2003; Lee & Paffenbarger, 1998; El-Gilany et al., 2011). The reduction in physical activity was apparent mostly during transformation of young people into adult years with the steepest decrease emerging around the period of university admission (Kwan et al., 2012; Sigmundova et al., 2013).
Ethical statement:
All through the analysis the researcher insured that ethics stayed a key priority. Each party was expected to provide their informed consent. The researcher insured this by assuring that they will obey the fullest ethical standards which allow the respondent to offer verbal approval. The researchers' guarantee provided a reasonable summary of the protocols, an explanation of the dangers fairly to be anticipated, a description of the advantages reasonably to be anticipated, a methodological enquiry request and an order that the individual is free to withdraw.
Throughout this whole phase, the code of ethics laid out in the BPS standards of conduct was conformed to. For this study, the topic subject is of a particularly delicate nature and refers to participant confidential details. Anyone carrying out this research will stay mindful of the integrity of the individuals participating in this report. The cultural distinctions, social standing, racial background or some other region that classifies the individual had to be recognized. The Code of Ethics notes that all individuals are capable of fair moral treatment and appreciation for the viewpoints shared in the interview (BPS, 2018). Certain prejudices and preconceived notions about what was learned regarding the respondents needed to be dismissed and this is when respect for them became supreme.
Also important, is the right to privacy and secrecy so the subject received a briefing on the research to inform them was made conscious about how their data might be handled and their rights to access the documents kept regarding them. The study does not include any identifying details that might expose identification, thereby ensuring answers remain anonymous. It would mean that the responses to the questions are honest without fear of being reprieved. The questions are not providing any detail that might threaten respondents' confidentiality. The gathered questions and details would not be considered for the purposes other than for this study. The researcher adhered to secrecy when doing the analysis.
Often relevant in the context of this research is the code of ethics, the obligation to be frank, fair and precise in statements, acts, expressions, procedures and recording of findings obtained during this analysis. The BPS code further notes that objective portrayal must be correct, that is, equal. Additionally, there was a need to be unbiased to be mindful about any negative opinions that could be kept to discourage correct content assessment in this study. The Code of Practice also notes that there is a need to create a difference between fact, interpretation and viewpoint, and to prevent judgmental remarks.
Section 2: Methods Statement
The concept of the analysis used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), as it relies on the personal perception and interpretation rather than accepting an observable reality (Langdridge, 2007). The focus is on specific accounts, with various individuals attributing different interpretations to certain circumstances, though commonalities are also recognized in the methodology. The ontology of the IPA builds extensively on Heidegger's Dasein (Heidegger, 1962), which advocates for an intersubjective "being-in-the-world," implying the relationship of human life and perception with the universe as well as with other people.
According to Merleau-Ponty (1996), it is often important to put emphasis on the body as a medium for inter-subjectivity. People seek to draw significance from their encounters during interactions, varying from clear, concrete definitions to the consequences for their personality and the purpose of existence (Smith, 2019). The epistemology of the IPA includes trying to grasp the reality of a person and to express their perspective (Larkin, Watts, & Clifton, 2006).
IPA uses an ideographic method, focused on analysis of the representations of individuals' cultures, which are closely applied to recognizing parallels and distinctions. It does not preclude generalization, although the generalization phase requires slow, deliberate development (Smith & Shinebourne, 2012). It compares with quantitative research nomothetic under which generalizations are produced by statistical testing, focusing on groups instead of persons. IPA emphasizes the perspectives of particular individuals while retaining awareness and understanding of limits.
Smith & Shinebourne's contribution to IPA (2012) has been pursued as it has clear links with field of psychology and the potential to find broad, interesting contrast in details. Semi-structured interviews investigated the level of physical exercise when it is perceived by people and their impressions of daily physical activities. Reflexivity, a central feature of IPA, called the researcher familiarity and favorable effect on data perception. By incorporating both data processing and review, the investigation was done.
Two subjects were examined using semi-structured interviews, their data transcribed and evaluated using Smith & Shinebourne's recommended protocols (2012). The various perceptions provide triangulation through opposing points of view (Smith & Shinebourne, 2012). In a semi-structured survey, the participants showed a clear desire to take part. Before the semi-structured interviews, the participants gave their informed consent.
Interviews lasted approximately 10 minutes. The interview plans were optimally used, and ad hoc answers were discussed. Participants were invited to direct the conversation, reflecting on what they thought was relevant about their daily physical exercise encounters. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed using a video recording. Participants were given pseudonyms.
The semi-structured method of interview and transcription presented an opportunity to comment on the results, and conclusions were recorded immediately after interviewing and during transcription. Transcripts were written, interpreted, re-read and recordings listened to multiple times. Compared to the initial phases described by Smith & Shinebourne (2012). color coded annotations were taken in the margins, identifying important topics, discussing vocabulary use and examining deeper definitions.
It described potential trends and listed instances. This analysis was carried out independently on each transcript, with similarities also found within transcripts. A mind map of potential topics was annotated with color-coded quotes to represent specific themes. Using this structure, related quotes were compiled, and themes and subthemes streamlined to create three key themes, acknowledging rhythms and potential overlaps. These expressed similarities among respondents, with themes relating to individual encounters in various ways, allowing similitudes to be seen alongside actual experiences.
Section 3: Data Analysis
Theme 1: Physical health as a physical activity motivator
Both participants shared their appreciation of the value to the effects of engaging in physical exercise. Improving general health included variables that acted as facilitators for involvement in physical exercise, and developing strength and stamina explicitly included for one respondent. The respondents indicated that they usually felt healthier, both before and during the physical workout, and in improved physical condition.
Um, I think looking fit and knowing that I’m doing something good for my body.
Thus routine involvement in physical activity and fitness as an aspect of weight control has been identified.
I still have plenty to lose.
Ideal physical structure is a factor that revealed to be important to other participants as they both implied to have an idea of what they would like to achieve in terms of body goals. This also went beyond weight loss and into strength training. Exercise involving strength training can lead to in...