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Semi Structured Interviews

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3.3.7 Semi – structured interviews
This interview method of research is used to gather focused, qualitative textual data. A semi structured interview is open-ended, allowing new ideas to be freely exercised by the researcher during the interview process as a result of what the interviewee says. The interviewer in a semi-structured interview generally has a framework of themes to be explored. (Wikipedia, n.d)
A semi- structured interview is a meeting in which the interviewer does not strictly follow a formalized list of questions. They will ask more open ended questions, allowing for a discussion with the interviewee rather than a straightforward question and answer format. Semi-structured interviews are often preceded by observation, informal …show more content…

Focus groups are a good example of a semi-structured interview and are also considered to be a type of qualitative research. Focus groups are usually informal discussions amongst eight or twelve participants. It is unstructured and guided by a researcher to keep the group from on track not to steer away from the primary topic; the researcher also encourages participants to answer questions to the related topic in their own words and to elaborate on their responses. (Joseph et al, 2003, 135) not in the bibliography
Our research study will focus on a semi-structured interview approach, where a semi structured questionnaire will be drafted to gather information from the interviewee. This questionnaire will be used as our data collection tool in order to collect information on the alternative burial methods offered by the City of Cape Town in the southern sub district and how government will go about implementing these alternatives to the public. The semi-structured interview is a qualitative method that will be used as a guide on the various participants that have been selected to share their views and opinions on the …show more content…

3.3.11 Purposive sampling defined
Ritchie & Lewis (2006:78) states that purposive sampling is precisely what the name suggests. Members of a sample are chosen with a 'purpose' to represent a location or type in relation to a key criterion. This has two principal aims. The first is to ensure that all the key constituencies of relevance to the subject matter are covered. The second is to ensure that, within each of the key criteria, some diversity is included so that the impact of the characteristic concerned can be explored.
Purposive sampling methods will be used through interviewing the Head of Cemetery Management at Recreation and Parks and Directors and or chairpersons of organisations that are involved in the burial and crematoria industry and conducting our research study with them. These organisations include the National Funeral Directors Association Forum (NFDA); South African Funeral Professional Association (SAFPA) and the National Undertakers Association of South Africa (NUASA).
The participants for the sample selection were chosen due to them working in the field of study and having extensive knowledge regarding the research

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