I.

Research Methodology

Research Design
This study will utilize a qualitative research methodology to comprehensively comprehend the
encounters and viewpoints of eleventh-grade pupils concerning their engagement with online
gaming and its influence on their scholarly achievements. Qualitative research methodology
facilitates exploring subjective experiences and acquiring comprehensive and detailed data
through interviews.

Participants
The target population for this study consists of grade 11 students. Random sampling will be
utilized to select participants from this population. The sample size will be determined based on
the level of representation and data saturation, aiming for approximately 10-15 participants. By
including diverse participants, the study aims to capture various experiences and perspectives
related to online gaming and academic performance.

Sampling
A technique of random sampling will ensure that each eleventh-grade pupil has an equal chance
of being selected as a participant. This method reduces bias and broadens the applicability of the
results. The sampling process will entail assigning a number to each student in the target
population and selecting participants using a random number generator or a comparable method.

Data Gathering Procedure

Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews. The interviews will be conducted with
the randomly selected grade 11 students to explore their experiences, attitudes, and perceptions
regarding online gaming and its influence on their academic performance. A semi-structured
interview format allows for flexibility in questioning while ensuring that the core topics related
to online gaming habits, time spent gaming, impact on studying habits, concentration levels,
academic performance, and potential challenges are covered.
To ensure consistency and thoroughness, an interview guide will be developed. The interview
guide will contain open-ended questions that address the research objectives and provide a
framework for the interviews. The guide will be reviewed and refined to ensure clarity and
relevance to the research topic.
The interview is scheduled to take place in a conducive and comfortable setting, such as a quiet
room within the school premises of the participants or a suitable virtual platform. Before
conducting the interviews, the researcher will obtain informed consent from the participants,
elucidating the study's objectives, the participants' prerogative to withdraw, and the
confidentiality of their responses.

During the interviews, the researcher will actively listen, probe for more in-depth responses, and
encourage participants to share their experiences openly. The interviews will be audio-recorded
(with consent) to ensure accurate data capture. Detailed notes will also be taken during or after
each interview to capture non-verbal cues, observations, and contextual information that may
contribute to the analysis.
The collected data from the interviews will undergo content analysis, a systematic approach for
identifying patterns, themes, and categories within the data. The first step in the analysis process
involves transcribing the interview recordings verbatim to capture the participants' responses in
written form. Subsequently, a coding scheme will be developed based on the research objectives
and interview data. This coding scheme will consist of predetermined categories and codes
representing meaningful data units related to online gaming exposure and academic performance.

Ethical Considerations:
Before participating in the study, informed consent will be acquired from each participant. The
study's participants will receive a consent form that will elucidate the study's objectives, the
voluntary aspect of their involvement, their entitlement to withdraw from the study at any point,
and the guarantee of confidentiality concerning their data and feedback. The confidentiality of
participants' identities will be maintained. The collected data will undergo anonymization
procedures, wherein pseudonyms or participant codes will be utilized instead of actual names.
The study will ensure the preservation of confidentiality, and solely the research team will be
granted access to the data. All collected data, including interview recordings and transcriptions,
will be securely stored with limited access. The electronic data shall be secured with password
protection, while the physical data, if any, shall be kept in locked cabinets or encrypted storage
devices. The study will employ measures to mitigate potential risks to the participants. The
interviewer will take measures to ensure that the questions posed during the interview are tactful
and non-invasive. The participants are granted the option to abstain from answering any
questions that may cause discomfort, and they can rest assured that their decision will not impact
their involvement in the study.