Semi-structured interviews

The purpose of undertaking semi-structured interviews was to allow the researcher to collect qualitative data by providing the respondents the opportunity and time to discuss their experiences and opinions relating to the identified key themes and issues affecting student experience and also provide further information that may have not been identified via the analysis of the verbatim comments. While the focus of the interview is controlled by the researcher, Bryman (2006) supports the view that semi-structured interviews are flexible in terms of the process, allowing the interviewee's own perspectives to be explored. When conducting semi-structured interviews, the

interviewer has a list of issues and questions to be discussed but has some flexibility in the order of the topics covered and can allow the interviewee to elaborate on the issues raised (Denscombe 2010). Strauss and Corbin (1998) argue that the initial interview questions may be based on prior literature or experience. For this study, the questions were based around factors affecting the perceived quality of the student experience based on matters identified in the literature and as a result of the analysis of the NSS verbatim comments. However, the original questions may be altered during the data collection process to allow emerging concepts to be pursued (Strauss and Corbin, 1998). This process was followed during the study and some questions were slightly adapted.

As part of the detailed case study into the quality of experience of the case study students, 30 students from across all construction related undergraduate programmes were invited to take part to reflect the experiences of students at different levels of study rather than limit it to level 6 when the NSS takes place. This sample included students from both the full time and part time modes of study. A non-probability sampling technique was used to select students to participate in the study. In order to answer the research question it is important to undertake an in-depth study focussing on a statistically small number of participants selected for their experience and insight to the research area. As a result the samples are unlikely to be statistically representative of the total population but the will provide the depth of insight required to meet the aim. Purposive sampling using a heterogeneous sampling technique was used to select the interviewee’s to participate in the research. The students were selected based on the programme of study, the mode of study and gender to ensure a representative sample to include all of the identified groups within the case study. Students at level 5 and 6 of the identified programmes were contacted by email and asked to participate in the research interview. The students at Level 6 were invited to participate but the interviews could not be conducted until after the closure of the official NSS to ensure no unintended influence could be put on the student contribution to the actual survey. An anticipated consequence of this is that it may result in low participation rates of Level 6 students due to the limited time frame for the interviews to be undertaken after the NSS closes and when the students complete their studies. However, in practice sufficient students made themselves available for the interviews.

The interview questions address the research objectives identified in Chapter 1, section 1.3 and were designed to address the specific issues relating to the reasoning and motives behind the responses to the questionnaire with in-depth discussion of the issues raised. Open-ended questions were used that defined the areas to be explored but that allowed the interviewer and/or the interviewee to deviate to allow particular issues to be explored in more detail (Saunders et al., 2012). Open-ended questions were considered to be the most appropriate for this study as they can initiate discussions between the researcher and the participant around the area of study. This will provide a focus for the interviews to allow an in-depth analysis of the student experience, areas of good practice, areas of concern, motivating factors for responses given etc.

The semi-structured interviews with students consisted of a total of 30 participants from across a range of construction undergraduate programmes including BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying, BSc (Hons) Building Surveying, BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management and BSc (Hons) Architectural Design Technology from both levels 5 and 6. The total number of interview participants was reached therefore the decision to stop interviewing participants was taken when it was determined that no new themes emerged from the interviews and a state of theoretical saturation had been achieved. The participants were encouraged to highlight their own perceptions of their experience of higher education within the given context and in relation to the questions. The interviews give the researcher the opportunity to engage with the participant and explore the responses made in real time. The interviews revealed a good deal of information regarding what the students considered to be important to them and also how this related to their own personal situation, ambitions and impact of the decision to study on their own life experiences. This appeared to have an influence on the perception of their experience and it was important to a number of the participants to focus on this aspect in some depth. During the interviews the researcher reflected back on responses given to check that they had been properly understood and also to prompt more detailed responses to key issues.

4.10.1 Semi-structured interviews with Academic staff.

A non-probability sampling technique was used to select academic staff members to participate in the study. In order to answer the research question it is important to undertake an in-depth study focussing on a statistically small number of participants selected for their experience and insight to the research area. As a result the samples are unlikely to be statistically representative of the total population but the will provide the depth of insight required to meet the aim. Purposive sampling using a heterogeneous sampling technique was used to select the interviewee’s to participate in the research. Eight semi-structured interviews where undertaken with staff from the Case Study School undertaking a range of roles including senior management concerned with the management and resourcing of the teaching activities, Programme Leaders involved with the direct management of the identified programmes of study and lecturers who are primarily involved in teaching. All of the staff interviewed has responsibility for the management and delivery of undergraduate modules within the school. The participants were encouraged to highlight their own perceptions of their experience within the given context and in relation to the issues identified by the analysis of the data gathered from the students. The interviews give the researcher the opportunity to engage with the participant and to explore the responses made in real time. During the interviews the researcher reflected back on responses given to check that they had been properly understood and also to prompt more detailed responses to key issues. The total number of interview participants was reached by ensuring an adequate representation from the target group of participants with due consideration of the data collected.