This article discusses the study of motives of serial murderers using the method of empirical phenomenology. Departing from a traditional clinical approach in terms of diagnostic categorizations of serial killers and from a conventional descriptive study in which generic aspects of serial murder such as modus operandi are described and interpreted, a qualitative approach is presented as essential to a more comprehensive understanding of the perpetrators of serial murder. Specifically, learning about murderers' personal constructions of meaning in their own lives positions us to be able to identify the motivations underlying their repeated acts of killing. Results obtained using this approach raise concerns regarding the validity of conclusions drawn from studies that rely upon more traditional methods of inquiry into motive. Researchers who apply conventional methods are cautioned regarding implied meanings of their data.
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