YouTube for Transcribing and Google Drive for Collaborative Coding: Cost-Effective Tools for Collecting and Analyzing Interview Data

Cloud-based tools are increasingly used in research processes. In this paper, we illustrate the practice of one research team making use of multiple cloud-based applications in preparing, analyzing, and sharing research data, as well as in collaborative writing and display of results. Important research ethics considerations are also explored as a foundation for this practice. We believe that our detailed description of the steps involved can be of help to researchers, particularly novice researchers who may lack research funds to have qualitative interviews transcribed. This mashed-up use of free cloud-based software makes data preparation from qualitative interviews cost-effective, more efficient, thorough, and collaborative.