Phenomenographic perspectives on the structure of conceptions : the origins, purposes, strengths, and limitations of the what/how and referential/structural frameworks

Phenomenographers have developed two frameworks to enhance the study of conceptions. The first framework creates a distinction between what and how aspects; the second level of this framework also includes the act, direct object, and indirect object. This framework allows the conception to be analysed separately from the actions and intentions related to it. The second framework creates a distinction between referential and structural aspects which allows the parts and contexts of the conception to be identified; its second level includes the internal and external horizons. This article traces the origins of these frameworks and reviews 56 studies that have utilised them, examining similarities and differences in their usage. The review found heterogeneous definitions and usages of these frameworks, often with weak links to theory. It concluded by evaluating the utility of these frameworks, identifying that while they may not be strongly grounded in theory, when clearly defined, they can provide a method to ‘think apart’ important distinctions within conceptions.