A repeatable Word format designed for reliable import into NVivo qualitative-analysis software.
The requirement
Researchers increasingly wanted interview recordings converted into documents that could be imported into NVivo. Using a prepared transcript can be more efficient than working directly with audio or video, but seemingly similar Word files were producing inconsistent results.
The challenge
Clients received conflicting advice about tables, headings and speaker layouts, and it was not obvious why one document imported successfully while another failed. TP Transcription did not want to promise compatibility without testing the document structure properly.
Our response
Working with an experienced qualitative researcher, the team took a problematic transcript and repeatedly adjusted its headings, styles and layout. The agreed structure was then tested with further interviews until it produced consistent results. That structure became the project template and the basis for transcriber instructions.
The outcome
Researchers can now request NVivo-ready Word transcripts prepared to a tested format. Agreeing the intended software and coding workflow at the quotation stage helps keep a complete dataset consistent.