Compare and Contrast Two Different Methods of Data Collection and Analysis from A Critical Realist Ontology Perspective in Studying My Lived Experience of Conversion Therapy and Disfellowshipment

Abstract

When managing a research project, it is imperative to decide which ontological view the researcher-participant stands. Is the world viewed in absolute terms thereby having a positivist view only believing the observable constructions of the mind. From this stance then helps to decide epistemology informing both data methods of collection and analysis. This informed the lived experience researcher to follow logical and correct processes to uncover the post traumatic grief experience after gay conversion therapy. To best understand the lived experience self-studies are growing in popularity with the experience standing up to the rigor of peer review. A dual approach is taken to use autoethnography to explore the church culture via the lens of fundamentalism, working class, gay lens, and auto-hermeneutics to address the conversion and disfellowship phenomenon. With the focus of trying to get ideas, attitudes, felt senses of grief and trauma following conversion therapy to curb suicide, depression, and minority stress.