A Rationale for the Use of Semi‐structured Interviews

Data for research studies are often gathered by using questionnaires. These data will be enhanced by interviewing a sample of the respondents. Inexperienced thesis and dissertation writers can meet with difficulties which are beyond their competence in the interview stage. A solution to this problem is described. Relevant literature was perused in the hope that guidance would be found in dealing with lack of expertise in interviewing, and at the same time, encourage the beginner to undertake the task. The suggested solution, derived from the literature, was the use of semi‐structured interviews.