======= Date Modified 15 Aug 2011 13:37:23 =======
Hi All,
I have found a lot of useful info in this forum, but I have an issue that I need help with. I am currently transcribing my qualitative interviews- I have 30 interviews that are roughly 1 hour each. I have made some progress but I'm just getting fed up! Those of you have have transcribed, did you transcribe everything- word for word?
I am not interested in the pauses, breaks, and ums in the interview, just the overall messages being conveyed. It's taking way too long to get them done. I just need to know what others have done. Did you transcribe every damn word? Is it even necessary to do so? For example, transcribing filler questions that don't really say much?

Please, any tips would help- I'm desperate. Oh and I'm broke so there's no money to pay someone else to do it.

TIA:-)

Hiya there! I totally sympathise with you - I only had 16 interviews to transcribe and it is an exhausting process! I wouold first decide how detailed your transcription will be (which will depend on the type of analysis you are planning on doing). For instance, I used thematic analysis to analse my data so I didn't need to write up fillers, small pauses, etc. That certainly helped speed up the pricess. However, I would probably try to write all your responses out (even if they don't say much) because you don't know whether something is relevant until you're analysing the data - and you might miss something that would be very important.

Also, I used Voicewalker to transcribe my data and found it to be very useful. Make sure everything is ready so that you can transcribe as smoothly as possible. I would try to break it down rather than thinking about the full thirty transcriptions (so aim for so many a week - so it's more achievable and you don't feel overwhelmed), I know it feels like you have a massive mountain to climb, but you will probably get faster as you go. And remember, by transcribing everything, you are really getting a feel for the data which will help it greatly when you can analyse.

Finally, if it feels totally unbearablem, it is possible to have transcribers do it for you (maybe do half and half, so you still get a feel for the data) or there is a transcription program that is rather pricely but does the process for you. I could find out the name of the program if it's helps.

Hang in there, it feels horrendous but you will get there. :-)

@ Purpleflower- you're right. *sigh*. I'm also also using themes in my analysis. I guess I'm just looking for justifications as to why I shouldn't include filler questions :p....there's no way around it I guess. I'll try and transcribe all the questions-even the ones that I think don't add value to my analysis.

Thanks!

It'll be worth it in the end because you know you won't have cut any corners, and your analysis will be rich and in-depth. You CAN do it! Just break it down into more manageable tasks and try not to burn out doing it. I took lots of little breaks so I didn't feel too exhausted by it all - quali is certainly a lenthy process :-s Good luck!

And OH DEAR, upon seeing my messages on this thread again I am sliiiightly embaressed by all the typos! Whoops - Monday brain!

Hello

I only had 6 but had to include pauses, ums, etc and that took me ages as I had to keep going back and forth and had to go through each one about 3 or 4 times. Like Purpleflower said, I tried to break it down, so I'd tell myself I'd just transcribe 5 or 10 minutes and then have a break or go and do something else (thesis related). It was too overwhelming to just sit down and transcribe everything. You could also pay someone to do it... I know someone who did that... hth

======= Date Modified 16 Aug 2011 09:46:20 =======
============= Edited by a Moderator =============

Hi there - I feel your pain, I've just finished transcribing 50 interviews that were between 1 and 2 hours each. It was a slow process, and I did transcribe everything word for word, ums and all... I did it gradually, usually after each interview, so it didn't end up too bad.
I don't know if I have much advice, other than hang in there - do a bit every day, and you'll get through it. Slowing down the recording helps, have a foot pedal or an easy pause/rewind button but I'm sure you know all the technique tips :-)
Best of luck!