Our research centres on the semi-structured interview. According to Adeoye‐Olatunde and Olenik (2021), if the researcher is interested in the participant's individual viewpoint rather than a broad overview of the phenomena, semi-structured interviews are a good way to get their data. While qualitative research allows for the use of various data collection methods, the semi-structured interview stands out due to its ability to maintain focus while also allowing the investigator to explore relevant ideas that may arise during the interview. This flexibility enhances the comprehension of the research being studied. This aspect cannot be deduced only from quantitative data, but it may be used to augment the comprehensiveness of quantitative data when utilised in combination, such as in a mixed methods approach.
For the purpose of our research, we conducted interviews with four students from the University of Sheffield that were semi-structured. There is difference of racial and nations represented among these students, as well as gender identities and sexual orientations. We conducted interviews with three white British students and one Chinese student, which means that we interviewed three home students and one international student. After participants provided their information, we first recorded it and then held guided discussions on subjects that we wished to explore, such as student perspectives and experiences of using Tinder or other dating apps that are relevant to the topic at hand. We succeeded to arrive at conclusions on the students' perspectives on the topics that were being addressed as a result of the process of gathering data on the characteristics of the students. In order to identify pertinent topics and probable themes that developed from the replies of the participants, we used thematic analysis to assess the data that we had gathered so that we could bring out them.
As part of the process of coming up with the methodology of the interview, the first thing we did was to provide information sheets to the participants. These sheets contain any and all information that they need to know to take part in the research. Furthermore, we adhered to the ethical criteria, and we prepared consent forms in order to gain the participants' permission for us to use their information. Subsequently, we processed the recordings and transcripts of the interviews, which were then kept in securely on a Google Drive. Tinder and dating apps were highlighted as major components in the literature that was presented, and we proposed this as a topic for the purpose of generating interview questions from literature. The weekly group meeting was conducted for the purpose of sharing and reviewing the reading notes of the literature, making the consent form, designing the interview questions, determining the interview method, and lastly doing the analysis of the interview. The formulation of questions was carried out via the use of a technique that is both successful and widespread in qualitative research: semi-structured interviews. The pre-arranged procedure and script were not precisely adhered to by us; nevertheless, this was depending upon the time of the interview as well as the circumstances related to it. We were able to successfully finish this research by using the knowledge that we acquired with the support of the seminar leader. Overall, we worked effectively together.
Adeoye‐Olatunde, O.A. and Olenik, N.L. (2021). Research and Scholarly methods: Semi‐structured Interviews. Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 4(10), pp.1358–1367.