Phenomenological research is defined and discussed in terms of its purpose and procedures. Phenomenology deals with subjective consciousness. Phenomenological research probes into the human experience to illuminate the complexity of individual perception. It is aimed at interpretive understanding. The general design for research consists of three phases. These include tentative conceptualization and general exploring of dimensions, filling in or checking leads, and confirmation of prototypal description. The content of phenomenological research consists of three types of questions. These include basic inner processes experienced by everyone at some point in life; experiences believed to be important sociological or psychological phenomena of our time; and changes or transitions that are very common or of special importance. Phenomenological research is valuable to empathetic understanding. It may also be of great value to educators and other professionals involved with children. (DWH)