The opportunities that philosophical hermeneutics provide as a research tool are explored and it is shown that this qualitative research method can be employed as a valuable tool for the educational researcher. Used as an alternative to the standard quantitative approach to educational research, currently being the dominant paradigm of data collection and analysis, the hermeneutic approach provides for a variety of interesting possibilities. This concept of research allows one to use interpretation to learn and understand by building on one's own experiences and existing fore-structure while not attempting to remove oneself from the object being studied. When successfully applied, researchers from within the human sciences, and specifically education, can benefit from this alternative method.