Transcription techniques in qualitative research
Choices, hazards and solutions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12645463 |
|---|---|
| Authors | David Cassels Johnson (0000-0003-0316-2884, University of Iowa, corresponding author), Mengyi Liu (0009-0008-9149-3272, University of Iowa), Kara Rash (University of Iowa), Kara M Rash (University of Iowa), Maria Slusarek (University of Iowa) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-23 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Qualitative Research Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1443-9883 • E-ISSN: 1448-0980 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/qrj-08-2025-0275 |
| OpenAlex | W4416556718 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 15 |
Purpose In this article, we examine the choices, hazards and solutions for transcription processes in qualitative research. We argue that it is essential to interrogate our transcription processes to establish trustworthiness and rigor. We include illustrative data examples and highlight solutions. Design/methodology/approach We focus on transcription processes within a larger qualitative study of the attitudes and experiences of dual language bilingual education teachers. Data collection primarily relied on focus group interviews. All recorded data were transcribed and coded to generate a thematic analysis. Findings We argue that the epistemological and ideological orientations of the researcher(s) can impact how data are transcribed. We highlight transcription challenges and leverage our own data to reveal how transcription problems can lead to inaccurate conclusions. Practical implications We provide practical suggestions for qualitative researchers to improve their transcription practices. Originality/value Even though transcription is a central part of data processing in qualitative research, most empirical studies and popular methods guidebooks offer little guidance, which naturalizes the transition from oral data to written transcript as an objective and technical exercise. In actuality, transcription processes are subjectively guided by the theoretical and epistemological orientations of the researcher. Therefore, it is essential to interrogate transcription practices in order to establish trustworthiness in qualitative research
Data collection · Leverage (statistics · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Transcription (linguistics · Transcription factor · Trustworthiness · Data Analysis and Archiving · Qualitative Research Methods and Applications · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
Understanding Ethnographic Texts
Systematic debriefing after qualitative encounters
Glossary of transcript symbols with an introduction
Transcripts, Like Shadows on a Wall
Interviewee Transcript Review as a Tool to Improve Data Quality and Participant Confidence in Sensitive Research
Introduction. Public transcripts
Advocacy and collaboration in dual language bilingual education policy and practice
Transcribing Talk
Doing data
The politics of transcription
Transcription
Reproducing or constructing? Some questions about transcription in social research
Peer Debriefing in Qualitative Research
| Highly cited | No |
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