The soul-searching, failure-confronting activity of transcribing

A very quick post here. I’ve been doing a lot of transcribing lately. Being predominantly a qualitative researcher means I spend quite a lot of time doing it. And for some reason, this time it really got me reflecting on this process of transcription.

Most notably the aspect of having to confront your mistakes. Not only confronting them, but actively having to type them out. And most likely listen to them multiple times. And then include it in some form of analysis.

Perhaps you missed asking a question that you could have led to a much juicier quote? Maybe you made a joke that doesn’t quite land, resulting in an awkward moment? In short it made me really think about failure.

This happened recently on a project, I felt like I could have got more out of a subject. But this sometimes happens with these projects. Nothing is perfect. But only by doing this do we learn. You have to actively come face-to-face with your failure, listen to it, and then write it down. It’s a pretty stare-your-issues-in-the-face kind of activity.

It’s a great learning curve though. You spot the mistakes as you go. The awkward moments. And not to mention, get to indulge in perhaps the universal hatred of listening to one’s own voice. I do hear a lot of arguments for getting someone else to do your transcribing (and I appreciate at times this may be needed) but I find it a useful first step in data analysis. It really is a great way to get an inital feel for the data and begin building up your ideas and thoughts. So I would say if possible, and time permitting, it really is a good way to go! And more recently, I have been embracing this learning curve element of transcription.

Imagine if you had to transcribe all those awkward meetings, phone calls and exchanges you have had over the years. Imagine how much you could learn.

So if you get the chance, I would highly recommend transcribing as you go along (rather than leaving all of your transcribing until the end). At least if you discover your mistakes you can rectify them, improving whatever project you are working on. Better to find out your mistakes a few interviews in rather than at the end of all of your interviews.

It reminded me of the Beat writer William Burroughs who used to use his cut-up technique to help deal with personal tragedy. Okay well transcribing interviews may not be in the same level of seriousness as that, but the confronting nature of it I believe is useful.

So for any of you transcribers out there who are working on your own material, think of it as a chance not just to begin analysis of the projects you are on, but also of yourself. And maybe improve your jokes.

p.s. my jokes still aren’t great.