An evaluation of voice recognition software for use in interview-based research: a research note

This small research project investigated whether it was feasible and beneficial to use voice recognition software to transcribe tape recordings of multiple voices. Two methods of use were trialed and it rapidly became clear that the ‘listen and repeat’ method was the leading contender. Through an iterative process, we developed guidelines to increase the usefulness of the software for research purposes, the main points of which are incorporated in this report. Our results suggest that voice recognition software has many advantages, and few disadvantages. It is of particular use for researchers for whom prolonged keyboard work is difficult or unsafe and for researchers with slow typing speeds, but any researcher may find it advantageous.