I would echo the recommendation of the f4 software. It's free and a very simple piece of software that does the job fine. It outputs can then be put into analysis software or just printed out to code by hand.
The most useful feature is accurate timestamping. Whilst I totally agree with your assessment that personally transcribing data gets you much closer to a whole range of nuances that might otherwise be missed, complete accuracy on hours of audio data is incredibly time consuming. Accurate timestamps allows one to go back to the part needed in detail (e.g for an extract for a paper / chapter) and so allows for word-for-word, pause-by-pause transcripts only on the bits such accuracy is necessary / desired for.
In addition, if you have a large amount to transcribe, I also highly recommend a foot pedal. These can be got for quite cheap and work with most transcription software / audio playback software. I had a stint as an audio typist for the NHS a few years back, and cannot stress how much of a benefit they are. Rewinding by a few seconds without having to break the flow of typing / thought can add up to hours of saved time.
Nick
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for critical and radical geographers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Chiara Rabbiosi
Sent: 10 February 2012 12:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: R: Re: Transcribing
http://www.audiotranskription.de/english/f4.htm
This might help you getting faster in transcribing!
chiara
>----Messaggio originale----
>Da: [log in to unmask]
>Data: 10/02/2012 10.11
>A: <[log in to unmask]>
>Ogg: Re: Transcribing
>
>I am in the process of transcribing some 20 semi-structured interviews,
>which
I have recorded using a Zoom H1 recorder.
>
>This is a really good bit of portable kit - not too expensive, two
>multi-
directional mics, with an accessory pack including a small tripod, pop shield and USB cabling. It records in Mp3 or WAV format and communicates with a laptop in the manner of a memory drive, allowing you to move and access files easily.
It gives clear recordings in individual and group settings, with the ability to reduce wind noise for outside recording.
>
>All well and good, but for each hour of recording I am facing a day or
>so of
transcription time, given my mediocre typing skills. I could send this off for a professional to do, but that costs. I could use a software package, but I would need just as much time to learn to operate it. So I hit the keys, try to keep it regular and often, and plough onwards.
>
>It is a frustrating, repetitive, time-consuming process, but there are
benefits. I am directly in touch with the data, can spot nuance, non-verbal cues (sighs, laughter) and revisit the dynamics of interaction in group settings. I can add a time code to help me easily revisit key sections. Direct transcription helps me get the 'drama' of the interview and a sense of the dynamics of social situations. I think this contributes to a stronger focus on member's views and meanings, and an appreciation of the flow between personal and 'public' statements: the 'front and back' of personality and opinion (Goffman).
>
>It is 9am and I face a day of exactly this activity, which is probably
>why I
am avoiding getting started by replying to this thread, but I am interested to hear more about colleagues' methods for collection, fieldnoting, transcription, coding and analysis.
>
>I also highly recommend this book for anyone starting out in
>qualitative
fieldwork: Emerson, R., Fretz, R., & Shaw, L. (1995). Writing ethnographic fieldnotes. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press
>
>Transcription: tough love from your data!
>
>
>Jon Croose
>
>PhD Student - The Practices of Carnival: Communities, Culture and Place.
>Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of
>Exeter
>
|