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To Tape or Not to Tape? Reflections on the Complexities of Taping Ethnographic Interviews

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Angela MazzettiORCiD

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Abstract

In this methods case study, I reflect on a common challenge for qualitative researchers; the decision to tape or not to tape research interviews. Drawing on my own ethnographic study, I discuss my decision not to tape-record one-to-one and focus group interviews. The decision was taken because of the sensitivities associated with both my research topic and research setting, and my need therefore to develop a trusting rapport with my gatekeepers and participants. However, I explain that to be able to manually record interviews without the aid of a tape-recording, researchers require certain competencies and adopt certain note-taking practices. In addition, I also explore some of the limitations of not having a taped record, in particular the impact this has on the presentation of interview data and researcher self-development.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Mazzetti AS

Series Editor(s): SAGE Research Methods

Publication type: Online Publication

Publication status: Published

Series Title: SAGE Research Methods Cases Part 2

Year: 2019

Acceptance date: 07/09/2018

Publisher: SAGE

URL: https://doi.org/10.4135/9781526477347

DOI: 10.4135/9781526477347

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