Phenomenological Definitions

Objective thought assumes that everything can be defined and measured objectively and that causal relationships can be found. A phenomenological approach, on the other hand, is concerned with how something appears to a person and the meaning they take from it. For example, an objective definition of ADHD would be a disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactivity. An observer would list symptoms of the disorder from their point of view, for instance difficulties paying attention in class, difficulties in tasks that require sustained mental effort, fidgeting or squirming, etc. An individual would need to have a certain number of observed symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD. A phenomenological approach would attempt to see the world from the individual's point of view instead of simply observing their behaviour and drawing conclusions. It would focus on how the person feels, what are their perceptions, what do certain tasks mean to them, etc. Some symptoms may not even be observable to outsiders but can be found by letting the individual express themselves.