Assessing the Efficiency and Quality of Audio-Coding Versus Transcript Coding.

Background: Manual transcription can be resource-consuming and time-consuming, while software-based audio coding offers a potentially cheaper and faster alternative. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the time efficiency, cost effectiveness, and researcher experience of thematic analysis of aud...

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Publicado en:Nursing Research Vol. 75; no. 3; pp. 220 - 229
Autores principales: Long, Katrina M., Pu, Dai, Bonnici, Rachel, Robins, Lauren M., Greer, Kathryn, Mitchell, Debra, Palmer, Katie, Peart, Annette, Redley, Bernice, Williams, Cylie, Haines, Terry
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins May/Jun2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: May/Jun2026
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        atl: Assessing the Efficiency and Quality of Audio-Coding Versus Transcript Coding.
      aug:
        au:
          Long, Katrina M.
          Pu, Dai
          Bonnici, Rachel
          Robins, Lauren M.
          Greer, Kathryn
          Mitchell, Debra
          Palmer, Katie
          Peart, Annette
          Redley, Bernice
          Williams, Cylie
          Haines, Terry
        affil: Katrina M. Long, PhD, is Senior Research Fellow, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University and National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
      sug:
        subj:
          Time
          Productivity Evaluation
          Audiorecording
          Coding Methods
          Cost Effectiveness Analysis
          Research Personnel Psychosocial Factors
          Human
          Multimethod Studies
          Crossover Design
          Comparative Studies
          Thematic Analysis
          Data Analysis, Computer Assisted
          Interviews
          Data Analysis Software
          Descriptive Statistics
          Cost Savings
          Random Assignment
          Multivariate Analysis
          Multiple Linear Regression
          Confidence Intervals
      ab: Background: Manual transcription can be resource-consuming and time-consuming, while software-based audio coding offers a potentially cheaper and faster alternative. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the time efficiency, cost effectiveness, and researcher experience of thematic analysis of audio recordings versus transcripts. Methods: This was a mixed-methods crossover study with two conditions (audio coding and transcript coding) and three categories of coders (novice, competent, and expert). Ten researchers coded 18 interview segments using NVivo, half in each format. Demographics, coding times, and coding experiences were collected. Results: On average, transcript coding took less time than audio coding, and NVivo experience was negatively associated with coding time across conditions. Economic analysis showed that audio was <60% the cost of transcript coding. Audio coding was perceived as being more difficult, yet coders agreed that both methods led to similar code quality. Audio coding may be a cost-saving alternative to transcript coding. Discussion: The potential cost savings, coupled with the more "naturalistic" source of audio data, may make audio coding an appropriate approach to consider for the qualitative researcher, despite coder perceptions of its greater difficulty. Audio coding should be considered as part of a qualitative project to enhance immersion in the data or improve coding efficiency. However, this approach should be preceded by careful consideration of the most effective computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software and extensive training and familiarization with audio coding procedures before analysis.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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