Chapter 3: Methodology
3.6 Interview Protocol Framework
3.6.1 Data collection
The interviewees categorized it to be free of bias and appropriate for the context, culture, and diversity of the study by researchers to obtain information. These respondents were selected because they are involved in E-learning, have critical thinking skills, and are aware of current events, all of which aided in the development of insightful results. A semi-structured interview approach will be used since it is free, unstructured and opens for innovative concepts to develop as a response to what the interviewee says throughout the interview. The timeframe has been fixed for data collection which will commence on 1st February 2022 till 30th April 2022. Considering the semi structured interview approach, researchers will plan and execute the time slots arrangement accordingly for in depth understanding of the perception of Malaysian undergraduates.
In a semi-structured asymmetrical interview, where the interviewer asks the first question and poses a problem. In contrast to the closing questions, the interviewer usually has a framework of subjects to address that allows participants to provide their own distinctive responses. Furthermore, semi-structured in-depth interviews are the most popular qualitative
data source and are generally recommended for use in qualitative research (Kallio, Hanna, Pietila, Johnson, & Kangasniemi, 2016).
This method usually incorporates a conversation between the interviewer and the respondent, which is guided by a detailed methodology design and includes follow-up inquiries, questions and comments. The approach enables the researcher to gather open-ended data, investigate interviewees thoughts, sentiments, and attitudes on a given topic, and get insights into societal, and often contentious concerns (Kallio et al., 2016). The interviewer will invite the participants to join in the interview to contribute relevant and reliable information for a final year project study.
Considering COVID-19 pandemic, the interview will be performed entirely online. This discussion will take place in online platforms, using Google Meet and Microsoft Teams as the main mediums. This is because, based on the view of undergraduates, most universities are using these platforms for E-learning and discussion. Therefore, an email will be issued to participants as a reminder of the group discussion email for this study. A screen recording and audio recording of the group discussion are required for the transcript section and as evidence for this research.
As a result, the moderator will brief the participants about the recording method and its purpose before the group discussion begins. The acknowledgment of recording is to ensure that this study adheres to the research study's ethical requirement, which is the informed permission of the participants. The personal data of the interviewee will also be kept confidential. The interviewer begins by asking the interviewee common questions and demographic information, and then gradually progresses to the interview session.
Interviews are conducted only once, with a single person or a group, and can span anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour (Pharm, 2014). This interview will take around 25 to 30
minutes. 7 questions will be asked to interviewees based on the time allocated and for them to process the need of the question. There were 4 sections in the structured questionnaire. Section A consists of basic questions that elicit generic and non-intrusive information. The transition section, Section B, connects the introductory questions to the key themes to be explored.
Section C is the most important, as it is strongly related to the research objectives and questions of the study, and these questions provide the most useful information. Finally, section D is closure, which consists of easy questions to answer and provide a sense of closure by allowing participants to voice any unresolved issues or offer recommendations.
This also denotes the end of the discussion. During the interview session the participants' answers will be recorded. These audiotapes will be used to allow for more consistent transcription later for deeper understanding of answers. The responses will be transcribed and entered into a computer file, which will be analyzed following the interview. The limitation in this method is if they are uncomfortable in sharing their thoughts and want to do it anonymously.
Classification of question
Description of classified question
Questions to the interviewees
Introductory
Reasonably common and non intrusive details.
a) Based on the information that you provided in the questionnaire; you are studying at University ______. Which year student are you and how are you adapting to E-learning so far? What do you feel about the new experience in E-learning?
Transition Linking the introductory questions to the main points to be discussed
b) Based on your experience, which mode of learning is more effective? Do you think that the educators have delivered the courses or contents effectively through E-learning compared to
traditional methods?
Key
Closely linked to the study's research questions and objectives and these questions provide the most valuable information.
c) Does E-learning impact your engagement and academic performance? Can you explain further about your time management to maintain academic performance?
d) What is your perception about the inevitable technical challenges faced by most of the students during online classes? Do you face any technical challenges during E-learning? If YES, how do you cope with it? If NO, then move to others Q
e) How is the development of your self-motivation throughout an E-learning environment? Do you face any difficulties in interacting with your lecturers and group mates? Is it reducing teamwork and communication between students?
f) Are there any university policies that have been introduced in conducting E-learning?
Does the introduction of new policy have impacted the learning process of E-learning?
Closing
Simple questions to address and provide a sense of closure which gives participants a chance to raise any topics not addressed or provide advice. This also indicates a conclusion.
g) Before we wrap up this session, is there something about your experience in E-learning that you think influences how you engage in your online classes that we have not yet had a chance to discuss?
Table 1: Type of interview questions for participants