Types of transcription

Verbatim transcriptions

This type of transcription is usually required by psychologists, university research programs, linguistic programs, for qualitative analysis and for interviews given in evidence for legal purposes. Verbatim transcriptions record all interjections, signs of emotions (coughs, sighs, chuckles, etc.), false starts and shifts in thought processes. This is done through a wide array of accepted transcription codes: uh, em, er, ah, hmm, you know, I mean, sort of, etc. Emotional expressions are usually expressed as: “laughing”, “sobbing uncontrollably”, “sighing”, “speaking softly” etc.

Word-for-word transcription

Like verbatim transcriptions, these transcriptions capture the text as it is spoken but eliminate all filler words.

General and grammatically correct transcriptions

In this type of transcription, filler words are eliminated, false starts and self-corrected words are not included, and grammar and mispronounced words are corrected. These are grammatically correct, with all superfluous hesitations, filler words, interjections, and interruptions omitted, as well as all content that is not relevant to the overall content of the transcription.