The Audio Typing Service

ANONYMISED: In transcripts adults' first names are shown (children's names are always anonymised unless requested otherwise), but surnames and any other identifying information will be anonymised. I will also discuss with you any further anonymisation you would like — for example, interviewees sometimes give away their location by mentioning nearby landmarks, businesses, or organisations unique to the area.

VERBATIM: All transcripts produced are verbatim — if the participants say it, I will type it. Unless requested, I do not edit what is said for ease of reading or clarification. People repeat themselves, they hesitate, they start again, and these are all shown in the transcripts: "I spoke to him on… did I? No, that must have been… hang on, was that Tuesday? Yes, it was Tuesday, I remember because the dog barked…" If required, I can include hesitation sounds ("hmm", "err", "umm"…) and even extraneous noises (sneezes, coughs, yawns, etc.).

NOT JUST WHAT IS SAID BUT HOW IT IS SAID: Emphasis, laughter, or ways of speaking can change the meaning of what is said. A good example is "I didn't see Jane take the money" — this sentence reads seven different ways depending on which word is emphasised (e.g. "I didn't see Jane take the money" implies they saw someone else take it).

ACCURATE NOT CORRECT: I type what is said on the recording, even if it is obviously incorrect, and will add [sic] immediately after to show it is not my mistake. I do this as the error can have ramifications later on in the interview.

CONFIDENTIALITY: As previously mentioned, all work is carried out by myself. The files are stored on one P.C. Transcripts are returned to clients using a one-time-only password of at least 12 characters (letters, numbers, and symbols) which is sent by separate email. On confirmation that the client has received the files, all my copies are deleted using specialised file deletion software.