To Tape or Not to Tape? Reflections on the Complexities of Taping Ethnographic Interviews

In this methods case study, I reflect on a common challenge for qualitative researchers; the decision to tape or not to tape research interviews. Drawing on my own ethnographic study, I discuss my decision not to tape-record one-to-one and focus group interviews. The decision was taken because of the sensitivities associated with both my research topic and research setting, and my need therefore to develop a trusting rapport with my gatekeepers and participants. However, I explain that to be able to manually record interviews without the aid of a tape-recording, researchers require certain competencies and adopt certain note-taking practices. In addition, I also explore some of the limitations of not having a taped record, in particular the impact this has on the presentation of interview data and researcher self-development.