**3.3 Sampling and participant selection**

The purpose of this study was to capture evidence from inside stakeholders at Hong Kong-based universities. Accordingly, the large sample of 1062 participants was attained from a multi-stage distribution of a standardised, structured survey to more than 2000 university students currently studying at eight different Hong Kong higher education institutions. By applying this opportunistic sampling approach, the robust sample size and breadth of student characteristics and traits have ensured that the findings are both representative and generalisable in their assessment of student perceptions and experiences [19]. Results that were incomplete were excluded from the output unless the lack of a response was appropriate given the prompt.

#### **3.4 Ethical concerns**

Central to the efficacy and reliability of the research, Wallen and Frankel [21] observe that ethical responsibility is of paramount concern, directing oversight and administration to protect the rights and welfare of the sample population.
