Semi- structured Qualitative Interview Guide:Process and Considerations for Doctoral Students

Maher, Chi and Bedwei- Majdou, Catherine (2025) Semi- structured Qualitative Interview Guide:Process and Considerations for Doctoral Students. In: Qualitative Research Methods for Dissertation Research. IGI Global Scientific Publishing; IGI Global, pp. 195-220. ISBN 9798369311356

Abstract

The chapter explains how to develop semi- structured qualitative interview guide for a doctoral research project. Semi- structured qualitative interviews (SSQIs) combine the use of predetermined thematic open questions with a flexible approach to, in the interview, how they are ordered or phrased. Such flexibility gives the researcher opportunities to probe participants for further clarification, and to explore specific themes. In view of the exploratory nature of semi- structured qualitative interview, the chapter explains the importance for doctoral students to clearly set out the philosophical stances that underpin their research project and the ethical questions pertinent to their research. The chapter addresses the interview guide, particularly how it may be used to overcome challenges researchers might encounter during the data collection process. Within these areas, methodological rigor in commencing a research project is discussed to support doctorial students’ growth as semi- structured qualitative researchers.

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