How to Get High-Quality Transcription for Your Research Projects

Transcription is the process of turning spoken words into written text. At first glance, it may seem straightforward. However, high-quality transcription is quite a skill to master, one which can sometimes take years to perfect. Furthermore, it is not just the skills of the transcribers that affect how the written data is produced. Other variables alter how the transcription process is approached and the finished result. Mission Translate explains these factors and explores how their impact can reach much further.

The skills required to produce high-quality transcriptions

Alongside exceptional, attentive listening ability and top-notch typing skills, to create high-quality transcriptions, transcribers need an in-depth knowledge of the language spoken, its use of vocabulary, grammar and punctuation. Being able to put words into context, identifying correct homophones and using critical thinking to make sense of the speech if it becomes distorted or if accents are heavy can significantly affect a transcript’s accuracy. Thorough knowledge of the subject area and an understanding of the correct and most up-to-date use of its terminology is also vital for successful transcription work.

Transcription takes patience. A transcriber may need to listen repeatedly to a section of audio to glean the exact words that are spoken. Having a passion for language and a dedication to ‘getting it right’ are essential attributes of a transcriber.

Working with a transcription service that engages with linguists with these qualities will help ensure the accuracy of your study. Incorrectly transcribing dialogue from an in-depth interview or focus group session may lead to skewed results and invalid conclusions. Time and budgets can be wasted, or worse, if the inaccuracies are not picked up, reputations can be damaged, and brand trust lost.

Different types of transcription

Different levels of detail and presentation formats can be required in transcription, depending on the research goal. Clarifying specific instructions before the transcription commences is vital to ensure the data needed is received.

Intelligent or full verbatim?

Full verbatim means absolutely everything is transcribed, including all ums, uhs, grammatical and vocabulary mistakes, false starts and repetitions. If the purpose of the research is to study the use of language, then this may be appropriate. Otherwise, full verbatim can be tedious to read.

When using intelligent verbatim for transcription, all the information is still transcribed, but the content is effectively tidied up. All the ‘ums’, ‘uhs’ and verbal tics, such as ‘you know’ and ‘like’, are removed. False starts to sentences are taken out, but only if they do not add any meaning to what the speaker is saying. Intelligent verbatim is the standard method for transcription, as it maintains the accuracy of the dialogue yet is edited to be in a more readable form.

Content analysis

Another strategy sometimes used to speed up the transcription process is direct content analysis or summaries. In this scenario, a client will direct the transcriber in locating specific information within a dialogue that addresses their questions. For this to be successful, the transcriber should have experience in research methods and be fully briefed on the project requirements. Miss out that step, and there is the risk of inaccurate or missed information.

Templates and timestamps

Providing a template for the transcription will help guide the transcriber in how the information should be presented. Having it ordered to your project requirements will make analysis much easier, especially if the planned conversation goes off track. Including an outline of the questions for the transcriber will also make the transcription process more efficient.

Timestamps to indicate the point in the audio at which the dialogue occurred are essential when transcribing subtitles but are also useful for other purposes. Having a timestamp means the point in the audio can easily be located should any clarification be required.

Other considerations for the best-quality results

When planning in transcription as part of a research project, there are a few other things to consider to ensure your objectives are successfully met.

Time

Transcription is a lengthy process. Depending on the complexity of the topic and the audio quality, one hour of audio can take between three to ten hours to transcribe. Allowing sufficient time for this process will ensure that it is not rushed and errors are not made.

Audio quality

As mentioned above, the quality of the audio can have a significant impact on the time it takes to transcribe and the accuracy of the transcript. Avoid background noise and people talking simultaneously as much as possible for a clear audio file and a high-quality transcription delivered efficiently.

Vocabulary use

Transcribers should have up-to-date knowledge of the topic they are transcribing. However, providing a list of technical vocabulary, e.g. product-specific brand names and industry abbreviations, will again assist with accuracy and consistency in the transcription.

The variables around transcription should not be underestimated. Factoring these into your project planning will improve the quality of the data created, assisting your analysis and leading to more valid conclusions in your research study.

At Mission Translate, our objective is to help you deliver high-quality analysis to your end clients that will strengthen relationships, build brand reputation and increase the potential of return business.