Constraints and Opportunities with Interview Transcription: Towards Reflection in Qualitative Research

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the complexities of interview transcription. While often seen as a behindthe-scenes task, we suggest that transcription is a powerful act of representation. Transcription is practiced in multiple ways, often using naturalism, in which every utterance is captured in as much detail as possible, and/or denaturalism, in which grammar is corrected, interview noise (e.g., stutters, pauses, etc.) is removed and nonstandard accents (i.e., non-majority) are standardized. In this article, we discuss the constraints and opportunities of our transcription decisions and point to an intermediate, reflective step. We suggest that researchers incorporate reflection into their research design by interrogating their transcription decisions and the possible impact these decisions may have on participants and research outcomes.

First-time mothers’ experiences of early labour in Italian maternity care services

“…Therefore, the researchers adopted a multifocal view of the participants' insights of the reality under investigation. The substance of the interviews was given particular attention and underlining meanings were shared during the conversation (Oliver et al, 2005).…”

The acquisition of pedagogical expertise in dance : a constraints-led approach

“……naturalism, in which every utterance is transcribed in as much detail as possible, and denaturalism, in which idiosyncratic elements of speech (e.g., stutters, pauses, nonverbals, involuntary vocalizations) is removed… (Oliver, Serovich, & Mason, 2005, p. 1) Each method, denaturalised or naturalised, can be specific to explicit research questions (Oliver, et al, 2005); therefore, it was important to reflect on how each method could potentially affect participants and research goals. It was taken into consideration that a naturalised transcription is judged as more beneficial to researchers interested in "the intricacies of spoken language" and includes accents or involuntary vocalisation (Oliver, et al, 2005, p. 3).…”

“…Data analysis involved transcribing all interviews in a verbatim mode, following a denaturalized approach (Oliver, et al, 2005), with grammatical adjustments made to increase the flow of the text, if needed. Braun and Clarke (2006) stated that there is not a specific system to implement thematic analysis, which implies that there is not a specific system to produce a transcript.…”

“…Therefore, in consultation with the supervisory team, it was decided to hire five individuals to help transcribe data from audio interviews. Outsourcing transcribers in order to meet deadlines is a process previously described and utilized in qualitative research (Oliver, et al, 2005). The current study followed a similar procedure to that of others previously; therefore, whenever it was not possible for the principal researcher to transcribe audio recordings of interviews, these were given to transcribers.…”

“…They were taught to structure the interview content in relation to the interview's numbered questions and they were asked to transcribe all information representing the speaker's words. Nevertheless, the transcribers were asked to follow a denaturalized approach (Oliver, et al, 2005), leaving out comments such as "er" and "hum".…”