The conversation analysis approach to Mandarin conversation data collection
The conversation analysis approach of using audio and video recordings of naturally occurring conversation contrasts with other methods of collecting data in the social and cognitive sciences. This paper intends to describe the ways in which conversation analysts collect their data suitable for analysis, including the steps involved in preparing to record, the recording of naturally occurring social interaction, and also the processing of recordings after they have been made. Before actually making the recordings, researchers must first choose what type of conversation they will collect and what device to use. Researchers also need to obtain consent for recording from the participants in a conversation analytic study. While making the recordings, researchers must figure out many practical issues such as who, when, how, what, how much, and where to record. After recording, researchers need to store data in audio or video formats. Researchers also archive it, using codes for identification that facilitate later finding, quoting and retrieving of any file. This paper focuses on these choices as they are made before, during, and after recordings and places specific emphasis on the effects these choices have on the recordings. It also illuminates how these techniques are closely related to the methodological and theoretical assumptions of the conversation analysis approach.