INTERVIEW PROTOCOL

INFORMED CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

This informed consent document is intended to provide information about the qualitative
research project. This research will be conducted by the graduate students of International
Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Please read it carefully before signing.
______________________________________________________________________________

Researchers
Nur Amira Binti Kamaruddin (G2019844)
Arini Diyah Fadhila (G2010024)
Nadia Shaheerah Binti Suaib (G1923884)
Nur Fatihah Binti Zakaria (G2015924)
Siti Nur Sakinah Binti Ahmad Budiman (G2018164)

Nature of the Study

The purpose of this research is to investigate the challenges faced by the practicum counselors to
adapt with the e-counseling method and practicing counseling skills during COVID-19
pandemic. The researchers also want to explore the coping strategies used to overcome the
challenges.

Procedures to be followed
The participation in this study involves taking part in interview sessions which will be led by one
of the researchers mentioned above. The researchers will ask questions regarding your
experiences during your time as a practicum counselor. We will also record the interview session
and make a written copy for data analysis. During the interview session, if you feel
uncomfortable with the recording procedure, you can request to stop the recording at any time.

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Confidentiality
The information collected in this study will remain confidential. Your identity as a participant
will not be revealed to people other than the names of the researchers listed above. Any
indication of your identity will be removed or disguised prior to the preparation of the research
reports. The recording will also be kept confidential and will be destroyed upon the completion
of the study.

Risks or Discomforts
We do not anticipate any risks or discomforts by participating in this study beyond what
ordinarily encountered in daily life, both physically and psychologically. You are also free to
refuse answering any questions that could cause any discomfort.

Freedom to Withdraw Participation

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You will not be penalized if you decide to not
participate. You are also free to withdraw your consent and end your participation or at any time
during this research.

Contact Information
If you have any concerns regarding this research or you would like to have a copy of the results
of the research, please contact Nur Amira Kamaruddin at amirakamaruddin08@gmail.com or
0134389080. You can also contact our supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhailah Bint Hussein at
suhailah@iium.edu.my or at 0127789122.

Your signature below stated that you have read and understand the above statement and
agree to participate in this research.

_______________________ _______________________ __________

Name of Participant Signature Date

_______________________ _______________________ _________

Name of Researcher Signature Date

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Interview Questions

A. Demographic Information
1. Could you introduce a little bit about yourself?
- Name
- Year of study
- University
- Supervisor
- Practicum starting date
- Current status
- Estimated end
- Practicum place (urban/rural)
- Practicum method (online and face to face)

B. RQ1 : What are the challenges faced by the practicum counselors during e-counseling
sessions?

1. Could you describe how your life looks like as a practicum counsellor?
2. How did you feel about conducting e-counseling?
3. What are the difficulties that you faced in conducting e-counseling?
(Cues: a. Situation - condition; b. task - intervention/ homework, building rapport; c.
action - decision-making, counselor competency)
4. When did the challenges mostly occur?
5. Why do you think those are challenging for you?
6. How do challenges affect your physical, mental and social life?
7. What are the differences in practicing face to face counseling and e-counseling?

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C. RQ2 : How do the practicum counselors cope with the challenges that they faced?
(5W1H)

1. To whom do you ask for assistance when you have difficulties in handling the online
session, and why?
(Cues : Supervisor- site & university)
2. What do you usually do to cope with the challenges faced?
3. How do the coping mechanisms work for you?
4. What do you think could be done better to help deal with the challenges?