Qualitative Exploration of the Experience of Becoming a University Student

This article presents a qualitative exploration of the experience of becoming a university student. It covers fundamental principles of qualitative research, methodological statement, data analysis, and extracts from the interview. The analysis reveals that university life makes students more confident, social, and knowledgeable. It also highlights the importance of balancing personal and university life.

Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Qualitative Research
Name of the University:
Name of the Student:
Author Note:

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Table of Contents
Qualitative Exploration of the experience of becoming a University Student...........................2
Fundamental Principles of Qualitative Research.......................................................................2
Methodological Statement.........................................................................................................3
Data Analysis.............................................................................................................................4
Extract 1.............................................................................................................................4
Extract 2.............................................................................................................................6
Conclusion to the Analysis.........................................................................................................7
References..................................................................................................................................9

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Qualitative Exploration of the experience of becoming a University Student
Fundamental Principles of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research utilizes non numerical data as well as other information that are
not amenable to the quantitative measurement, for interpretation and description. In simpler
terms, when the numbers are being used to answer the given questions, then it can be
considered as quantitative research and if the research is qualitative, images, stories and
statements are utilized (Yin, 2015). The qualitative approach is small scale and micro level,
which focuses upon the thick description of the particular phenomenon, social reality, theory,
culture and experience (Joffe, 2012). If the researcher wants to describe about the lifestyle of
any particular group, for instance, the data which will be needed involve narratives, images,
conversations, texts as well as other documents (Flick, 2014).
The basic principles of the qualitative approach can be described intro three specific
ways that is; interpretivism, inductivism and constructivism. The first approach is
constructivism, which means that the things are not discovered objectively; rather they are
created as well as imposed subjectively by the people in the given contexts (Marshall &
Rossman, 2014). The second approach is interpretivism that stresses upon the definitions,
which are both equally important for the analysis and interpretation (Braun & Clarke, 2006).
The third approach is inductivism that can be defined as the new set of meanings, theories
and knowledge, emerging through the procedure of induction (Bernard, 2017).
There are several approaches of qualitative research that are being utilized all across
the different segments of Humanities, Education and Sciences. Ethnography can be regarded
as something that is useful in the cultural studies. It aims to describe, understand and explore
a cultural group (Packer, 2017). The case study is also being utilized particularly in the health

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and clinical settings. Grounded theory focuses on the emergence of the theory regarding a
specific reality that undergoes a procedure of cross analysis, emergence and reflexivity
(Rager, 2006). Moreover, phenomenology puts the subjective meanings of the participants as
a phenomenon experienced by him/her (Mertens, 2014).
Methodological Statement
Two participants were being selected for the interview who has given a detailed
description regarding the experience of becoming a University Student. The data was being
collected and analyzed later after the interview was over. The questions were open ended, as
it helped in gaining detailed insights regarding the interviewees University life. The findings
of the interview revealed the fact that the interviewees are quite happy with their University
life. At first, one of the interviewees thought that University life will be hard, but later on
he/she found that it is quite interesting, where the students get to learn a lot. Moreover, it can
be said that the students enjoy their own space and also they have gained useful insights from
their coursework.
It has been analyzed from the interview that the interviewees at first thought that they
will not have time for work along with studying. Moreover, they thought that the amount of
work given is quite a lot, when it comes to assignments. However, they also mentioned that at
universities, they are able to maintain a social life. The interviewees discussed about the
advantages of a university student as well. They mentioned that being a university student has
enabled them in exploring themselves in a better way. In addition to this, they also mentioned
that they do not get much time to perform other activities as they have to complete their
assignments on time, in order to get good grades.
However, the ethical considerations in a research are quite critical. The ethics are the
standards or norms for conduct, which distinguishes between the wrong and the right. The

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interviewees are not harmed in any manner whatsoever, while conducting the interview.
Their dignity is being respected and prioritized. Moreover, full consent is being obtained
from the interviewees, prior to the research study. In addition to this, the privacy protection of
the participants is being ensured. In addition to this, adequate confidentiality level of the
research data is also being ensured.
Data Analysis
Extract 1
The interviewees gave useful insights regarding their University life, what they expect
from their respective universities and many other facts. Before getting into the University
life, they felt that it is going to be hard to overcome their fears. They felt that University life
is going to be tough as they will not get extra time to work and study at the same time. In
addition to this, they have to spend a lot of time in completing their assignments. Moreover,
an interviewee mentioned that when it comes to social life at the university, he/she thought
that university life is more social and it is more about parties. However, the interviewee
mentioned that he/she was wrong as it is more about studies and assignments.
In extract one, the interviewee mentioned that nobody has time to do anything apart
than attending classes and lectures; there is less time to socialize with other students. In
addition to this, it can be evaluated that there are lots of advantages as well, for a University
student. They got to know more and explore themselves, their aspirations, liking and disliking
and others. Moreover, the students become aware of what they are capable and able to do.
Especially at times, when the students have not much time to do their assignments, they
manage to complete it somehow, in order to get good grades. It makes them feel that they can
do anything and everything is possible. Moreover, they get to analyze their competencies and
in-competencies as well.

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However, as per the analysis, there are certain disadvantages as well. The students
feel that everything is a bit stressful. Sometimes, it is just about lectures and sometimes, the
students are not sure whether to approach someone else for any help or not. It makes them
more stressful and these are the general disadvantages of being a University student.
However, the students need to be more organized in order to make their life less stressful and
easier. They should be completing their assignments on time, attend lectures and cooperate
with others in order to get instant help.
On being asked about the impact of the university upon the student, the interviewee
mentioned that he/she has become very independent. Now he/she is able to think more openly
and have conversation with his/her friends. The social life has also improved now and the
students get more time to socialize and talk about something apart than the university life. In
addition to this, university makes a student more confident in approaching people and they
are not afraid to discuss their issues with their friends. Moreover, university made the
interviewees understand that they all look at the world from a different perspective.
In addition to this, the interviewees also mentioned about their way of balancing
social and university life. They manage their work and maintain a balance between the two.
Moreover, they get adequate time to spend with their family members and friends. The
interviewees also shared their experiences regarding their first day at university and what
they feel now. The interviewees said that they were really scared at the beginning, but later
on they managed to overcome their fears.
On being asked if the interviewees will encourage others to get a university degree or
not, they gave a positive reply. They said that they would encourage others to study at the
universities. It is not only about knowledge or degree, but also about knowing oneself and
knowing what they can do or what they cannot. Moreover, they can explore their

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competencies as well as in-competencies. They will also gain a clear understanding regarding
their achievements, through their failures. It will help them in becoming a good individual.
Extract 2
In extract 2, the interviewee also said that being a student is kind of unique as the
students can explore their own-selves, in a better manner; learn about their skills and abilities.
In addition to this, one of the interviewees also mentioned that at college, the educators just
provide the students with notes and ask them to simply copy those. However, at university,
the students are given a topic and they can choose their own literature by checking onto the
books or newspapers or some other relevant educational articles.
These points are quite relevant and it enhances individual thinking abilities. The
educators at the universities only provide the students with course related ideas. However, the
students are asked to build upon the ideas on the basis of their own thinking abilities and
capabilities. They get time to explore about their interests, likings and aspirations. Moreover,
they also have time to polish their skills, abilities as well as capabilities. The second
interviewee mentioned that at university, he/she has always enjoyed his/her own space.
Moreover, they have gained huge knowledge and their thinking patterns changed as well. In
addition to this, they are also able to present their ideas in a better way, criticize it and look at
things from different angles. They can analyze the situations; rather than just taking the face
value of the things and running away from it.
They also feel that higher education has made a difference in their personal lives as
well. They have gained quite useful insights from universities and education. It has helped
them in broadening their knowledge and also served as a common influence over the
interviewees. In addition to this, the students are now able to understand people more,
empathize the ones suffering from distress and help them accordingly. Moreover, it has

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enabled the students in becoming more open to learning, knowledge and experience.
Furthermore, they have become more tolerant of people.
On further analysis, it is found that the university students have become more
punctual and are able to meet their deadlines of the assignments and other things. They are
able to make new friends and their family members are quite supportive. They mentioned that
it is better for the students to stay focus and dedicated with their course as because, at the end
of the University life, they will become a good human being along with sound knowledge.
Conclusion to the Analysis
To conclude, the thematic analysis is done on the basis of the interview and their
opinions are being analyzed and presented in a detailed manner. The interviewees raised
various points regarding their university life. They mentioned about how they balance
university and social life. The assessment gives detailed analysis regarding the interviewees’
university life and how they are able to cope up with it. Moreover, they feel that studying at
the university makes them more confident, while approaching people. They are more social,
knowledgeable and confident. In addition to this, they have also explained about their first
day at university and how they feel now.
It is important to stay focused and dedicated as it helps them in balancing their life as
well as studies. Moreover, they feel that being a student, does not mean that they do not have
any responsibilities. They have to look after their family members and those who are married,
have certain responsibilities towards their family and children. Therefore, they have to
manage everything by maintaining a proper balance between their personal life and university
life. However, the students may have to face lot of challenges in the beginning. Some learn
from it and some fear that those challenges may not help them in succeeding in life.

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It is important to learn from the challenges of the University life. One of the
interviewee mentioned that he/she has been enlightened more and there has been a huge
improvement in the writing skills than before. Therefore, it can be said that a student can
learn a lot from his/her university life. It is important to raise the issues, if any and discuss it
with the educators. It is immensely important to cooperate with each and everyone at the
university. It helps in improving their communication skills with others. Moreover, they get
to know more about their surroundings and learn from it. It is also helpful for the students to
gain ideas from their surroundings and learn from the challenges they face at the University.

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References
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Research Methods in Mental Health and Psychotherapy. Chichester: John Wiley &
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Marshall, C., & Rossman, G. B. (2014). Designing qualitative research. Sage publications.
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Rager, K. B. (2006). Self‐directed learning and prostate cancer: a thematic analysis of the
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