Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders: a comparative analysis
Loading...
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Qualitative Research
Abstract
The use of audio recordings has become a taken-for-granted approach to generating transcripts
of in-depth interviewing and group discussions. In this paper we begin by describing circumstances
where the use of a recorder is not, or may not be, possible, before sharing our comparative
analysis of audio-recorded transcriptions and interview scripts made from notes taken during
the interview (by experienced, well-trained interviewers). Our comparison shows that the
data quality between audio-recorded transcripts and interview scripts written directly after the
interview were comparable in the detail captured. The structures of the transcript and script
were usually different because in the interview scripts, topics and ideas were grouped, rather than
being in the more scattered order of the conversation in the transcripts. We suggest that in some
circumstances not recording is the best approach, not ‘second best’
Description
Keywords
Data collection, Interviews, Group discussions, Audio recording, Field notes, Transcription, Trustworthiness, Rigour
Citation
Rutakumwa, R., Mugisha, J. O., Bernays, S., Kabunga, E., Tumwekwase, G., Mbonye, M., & Seeley, J. (2020). Conducting in-depth interviews with and without voice recorders: a comparative analysis. Qualitative Research, 20(5), 565-581. DOI: 10.1177/1468794119884806