Transcription and Qualitative Methods: Implications for Third Sector Research

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Qualitative data collection and analysis are widely documented.
• Audio transcription, a crucial step, receives limited scholarly attention.
• This gap is particularly evident in third-sector research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in literature regarding audio transcription in qualitative research.
• To discuss considerations, challenges, and implications of audio transcription for third-sector research.
• To provide a practical framework and reporting recommendations for audio transcription.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on qualitative data handling.
• Analysis of challenges and implications specific to audio transcription.
• Development of a framework for transcription processes.
• Formulation of recommendations for research articles.

Main Results:

• Identified key considerations and challenges in audio transcription.
• Presented a structured framework for researchers and transcribers.
• Offered guidelines for documenting transcription in qualitative research publications.

Conclusions:

• Audio transcription is a critical, yet under-examined, component of qualitative research.
• The proposed framework and recommendations aim to improve the rigor and transparency of transcription.
• Enhanced attention to transcription will benefit third-sector research and qualitative methodologies broadly.