Analytic Affordance: Transcripts as Conventionalised Systems in Discourse Studies

TY - JOUR

T1 - Analytic Affordance

T2 - Transcripts as Conventionalised Systems in Discourse Studies

AU - Gibson, Will

AU - Webb, Helena

AU - Vom Lehn, Dirk

PY - 2014/8/1

Y1 - 2014/8/1

N2 - This article explores the role of transcripts in the analysis of social action. Drawing on a study of the interactional processes in optometry consultations, we show how our interest in the rhythm of reading letters from a chart arose serendipitously from our orientation to transcription conventions. We discuss our development of alternative transcription systems, and the affordances of each. We relate this example to constructivist debates in the area of transcription and argue that the issues have been largely characterised in political terms at the expense of a focus on the actual processes of transcription. We show here that analytic affordances emerge through an orientation to professional conventions. The article ends by suggesting that a close reflection on the design of transcripts and on transcription innovation can lead to more nuanced analysis as it puts the researcher in dialogue with the taken for granted ideas embedded in a system.

AB - This article explores the role of transcripts in the analysis of social action. Drawing on a study of the interactional processes in optometry consultations, we show how our interest in the rhythm of reading letters from a chart arose serendipitously from our orientation to transcription conventions. We discuss our development of alternative transcription systems, and the affordances of each. We relate this example to constructivist debates in the area of transcription and argue that the issues have been largely characterised in political terms at the expense of a focus on the actual processes of transcription. We show here that analytic affordances emerge through an orientation to professional conventions. The article ends by suggesting that a close reflection on the design of transcripts and on transcription innovation can lead to more nuanced analysis as it puts the researcher in dialogue with the taken for granted ideas embedded in a system.

KW - affordance

KW - video analysis

KW - conversation analysis

KW - ethnomethodology

KW - transcription

U2 - 10.1177/0038038514532876

DO - 10.1177/0038038514532876

M3 - Article

SN - 0038-0385

VL - 48

SP - 780

EP - 794

JO - Sociology

JF - Sociology

IS - 4

ER -