In-depth Interviews – Features, Uses and Transcription

by | Last updated Oct 28, 2022 | Published on Nov 24, 2015 | Interview Transcription

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In-depth InterviewsIn-depth interviews (semi-structured or informal interviews) are qualitative interviews that are often not prepared in advance like survey interviews. There are no specific set of questions in a particular order and pre-defined answer choices. Instead, the interviewee does most of the talking while the interviewer listens and guides the conversation in a required direction. You can record these conversations and create written copies through effective interview transcription for various purposes depending upon their applications. Let’s take a detailed look into the features of in-depth interviews, their uses and how they are transcribed.

Features of In-depth Interviews

  • In-depth interviews give emphasis to validity. Such interviews explore how close the answers get to the real views of the respondent(s) rather than how accurately the different answers of respondents can be compared.
  • Interviewers can adjust their questions during the interview to change the direction. However, the interviewer must be completely familiar with the subject, potential questions and plan so that the interview proceeds smoothly and naturally.
  • Interviewees can answer the questions asked to them in as much detail as they want.
  • An informal environment encourages the interviewee to be more honest and open so that it is possible to obtain more valid information regarding the attitude, values and opinion of respondents.

Their Uses

  • Research Purposes – In-depth interviewing is normally done at the beginning of a major research project, especially when that project is studying a population that has been never researched before. Typically, the chief researchers or trained interviewers conduct such an interview. Though it is time-consuming, in-depth interviews allow for more exploration and understanding of responses to collect more valid information.
  • Radio and TV Shows – Radio and TV talk shows often include in-depth interviewing of celebrities, authors, politicians and other experts to provide entertainment and valuable information to the audience.

Transcribing In-depth Interviews

By transcribing in-depth interviews, researchers can quickly skim and assess the relevance of the interview rather than listening to the recording each and every time. The transcripts also help the researchers comprehend voices that are difficult to hear or understand in the recordings. Radio or TV shows involving in-depth interviews can be transcribed through accurate media transcription and put on respective media websites for the people who have hearing disabilities, who missed the shows and who have a different accent. Transcripts will also enhance the SEO efforts and improve the audience reach.

You can transcribe in-depth interviews effectively in the following manners.

  • Verbatim FormatVerbatim transcription or word-by-word transcription ensures that everything is accurate and no words are taken out of context. You can also employ intelligent verbatim format eliminating expressions like ‘ums’, ‘huhs’ and sounds when required.
  • Use Time Stamping – Using time-codes in the conversation will ease future references. They are very important for broadcasting and post-production work for radio and TV shows.
  • Add General Notes, If Needed – While extracting specific pieces of information from recordings, you can add general notes or citation, if required (for research purposes).

By relying upon experienced transcriptionists or reliable transcription companies, you can save your time and focus on your research or shows. With help from such an expert, you can create transcripts that ideally suit your purpose.

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