A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY OF DIGITAL RESEARCH ADVISING

Purpose – Digital research advising to address the emerging needs of student researchers across different levels has become popular in recent times. This phenomenological study is aimed at exploring digital research advising as it is experienced by senior research advisers. Methodology – Using a hermeneutic phenomenological design, the participants’ lifeworlds, their lived body, lived time, lived space, lived human relations, and lived things were analyzed using Van Manen’s contemporary model. Data was collected through in-depth interviews. Categories of themes were identified after the process of linguistic transformation. Findings – The following five themes captured the lifeworlds of the research advisers: acknowledging corporeal connections, redefining academic space, humanizing digital advising, leveraging the digital toolbox, and investing time. Significance – This study renders value to academic institutions and active researchers who want to appreciate and understand the meaning ascribed to the nuanced experiences of senior research advisers transitioning from traditional to digital advising. It also offers a foundation of initial insights to inform future research in diverse academic settings.