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 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