ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the research design, the kind of data being sought, and the interpretive process involved in generating information. Hermeneutics, simply defined, is the art of interpretation as well as the philosophy that raises questions concerning interpretation. Thematic hermeneutics is the art of interpreting a theme inherent in the phenomenon or phenomena of interest. Historically hermeneutics was a term used only by biblical interpreters. Hermeneutics was confined to two fields where life and death, salvation or damnation, were literally involved; the study of law and study of scripture. Friedrich Schleiermacher's conception of hermeneutics rested squarely on three of the doctrines developed by Herder specifically, that thought and language were largely identical; that meaning was word usage; and there were significant linguistic and intellectual differences between people. He believed that a good interpreter should first gain extensive knowledge of the text's historical context prior to attempting any interpretation. He further maintained that interpretation always had two facets, linguistic and psychological.
