Methodology

As the goal of this study is to examine the issues related to the anxiety of BIMM
students over term time and to identify the best practice to reduce it, the initial
primary data will be collected through several methods, including surveys and
interviews.

The offline survey will be focused on collecting qualitative data, such as anonymous
personal experiences and propositions for creating a more relaxed learning
environment. It will have an open question format, so respondents will have freedom
to express their point of view. As mental health is a sensitive issue, the design of the
survey will be discussed with the project supervisor and institute psychologist to
ensure that all participants are able to discuss problems with the highest degree of
comfort (Bell, 2018, p. 67).

After the pilot version, online survey will be used to collect data from as many
students as possible to establish general quantitative statistics about the mental
wellbeing of the BIMM community. It is pointed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(2011, p. 8) that rates of the students willing to participate in internet-based surveys
are high as it does not require special academic skills. It is also quick in terms of
collecting a large amount of quantitative data which can be observed in real time
(Walliman, 2011, p. 98).

Finally, due to the time limitation, the interview method will be narrowed to three one-
on-one interviews and a single session focus group. These will have a semi-
structured format having a relaxed space for informal open conversation and will
discuss if the proposed changes are helpful (Bell, 2018, p. 213).

Project activity
Before research can be conducted, there is a need to consult BIMM to get approval
for undertaking research within the institution. It also will be asked to get some
information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which will aid the research.
It should be taken into consideration that any private information should be treated
with strict confidentially and the university may set some restrictions on research
methods (Bell, 2018, 49-71).
A detailed offline survey will be passed among BIMM students. The number of
participants will take into consideration the workload and time limitations of this
study. The emphasis will be on involving international students. It is important to
know how they feel when dealing with adjusting to a new environment and if they
can afford regular visits to their home countries (Royal College of Psychiatrists,
2011, p. 11). The challenge is that chasing responses can be a bit time consuming
(Walliman, 2011, 97-98).

When introducing the online survey, students will be asked to share the link with their
classmates, so that will boost the engagement (Bell, 2018, p 170). The main point is
that it should be short and more sensitive questions should come after easy ones, so
it won’t make the participants feel vulnerable in the beginning and they will be more
likely to finish the survey (Kuriakose, no date).
After getting a reasonable amount of responses, the intermediate result will be
discussed in an interview with a BIMM student support member and Mental Health
Society leader separately. Additional interview with the professional in the field of
metal health help for musicians will be arranged. It will be beneficial in providing
practical professional advice, but the busy schedule of interviewee should be taken
into consideration (Walliman, 2011, page 100).
After summing up all interviews, a focus group session will be arranged with four-
six BIMM students, balanced by gender, nationality and courses. They will be asked
to review all statistics gained through this research and reflect on how the proposed
changes could change their lives at BIMM. However, there is few risks of having a
debate and going away from the topic, this should be controlled. In order to not miss
any useful information in a group discussion, all the interviewees will be asked for
the permission to have an interview recorded and stored with other data in electronic
archive (Walliman, 2011, p. 100). Finally, the finished report will be delivered to
BIMM.