A large amount of my more recent research has required data collection through the “Think-aloud” protocol. Collecting the data is not difficult, participants are setup with a headset, perform the task verbalising what they are thinking and doing. I have recorded this using Audacity. The difficult part of using this data is in transcribing it. Some people speak very clearly and this makes it easier to work with, others peaks very softly or mumble a lot. This makes the transcription very difficult and extremely time consuming.
The flip side of it, once it is transcribed the data gives the most amazing insights into what people are doing and why they are doing it. A less complex way to get this same data would be fantastic, or a less time consuming way to transcribe would be great.
Currently I use MacSpeech Dictate, I listen to the recording and as I listen I am repeating what is being said and MacSpeech Dictate is doing the work rather than me typing it. It works but still takes a long time.
Back to work for now.