Being an “Insider”: Implications for Enhancing the Rigor of Analysis

Authors

  • Chad Selby George Witcher Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of the transcription of language data in qualitative research, few published studies provide insight into how the transcription process is negotiated. The purpose of this article is to describe unique challenges to quality transcription faced by a “relative insider” by reflexively exploring the research process (in particular the researcher’s position) and to explicate the implications for transcription quality and research rigor/trustworthiness. Inaccuracies within transcripts created by discrepancies between participants’ intended meaning and the researcher’s/transcriptionist’s interpretation can compromise the rigor of one’s findings. Therefore, when conducting research among speakers of regional dialects, researchers/transcriptionists should plan how issues related to interviewing and particularly to transcription will be negotiated.

Author Biography

Chad Selby George Witcher, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta

Doctoral Student Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation University of Alberta

Downloads

Published

2010-06-10

Issue

Section

Articles