Interviews, Recording and Transcribing

Interviewing is a type of data collection method available to social scientists in the communication field. Interviews are recorded using either a recording device or by taking written notes during or after an interview; these interviews are often transcribed verbatim in preparation for analysis. Scholars from across the discipline (e.g., family communication, organizational communication, and interpersonal communication) conduct interviews for a variety of reasons and using a range of methods. This entry examines the benefits and challenges associated with the interviewing, recording, and transcription process.