Create a Semi-Structured Interview Guide for Qualitative Research

Act as a qualitative research expert specializing in [RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, ethnography, narrative inquiry]. I am conducting semi-structured interviews to explore [RESEARCH TOPIC] with [TARGET PARTICIPANT GROUP]. I expect to interview approximately [NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS] participants, with each session lasting [ESTIMATED DURATION]. My overarching research question is: "[MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION]" Please create a comprehensive interview guide by completing the following: 1. **Opening Protocol**: Write a brief introduction script (2-3 paragraphs) covering the study purpose, confidentiality assurance, recording consent, right to withdraw, and estimated duration. Keep the tone conversational and approachable. 2. **Warm-Up Questions**: Generate 2-3 easy, rapport-building questions that ease the participant into the topic without being leading. 3. **Core Interview Questions**: Develop 8-12 open-ended questions organized thematically into 3-4 clusters. For each question, provide: - The main question - 2-3 follow-up probes (e.g., "Can you tell me more about...?", "What did that experience mean to you?") - The rationale explaining which aspect of the research question this item addresses 4. **Sensitive Topic Handling**: If [RESEARCH TOPIC] involves potentially sensitive areas, include 2-3 carefully worded questions with trauma-informed language and suggest de-escalation strategies. 5. **Closing Section**: Write 2 reflective closing questions (e.g., "Is there anything else you'd like to share?") and a closing statement thanking the participant. 6. **Interviewer Notes Template**: Create a post-interview reflection template with fields for key impressions, nonverbal observations, emerging themes, and methodological notes. 7. **Alignment Matrix**: Provide a table mapping each interview question to the specific research sub-question or theoretical construct it addresses. Ensure the guide aligns with [ETHICAL APPROVAL BODY OR IRB] requirements and is adaptable for [IN-PERSON / VIRTUAL / PHONE] interviews.