Computer-assisted life stories

Abstract

A pilot project was undertaken to test an emerging technology with a view to examine the feasibility of assisting older participants in the telling of their life stories. With the use of a digital recorder and voice-to-text software, 10 older persons were freed from the labor of creating a formal record of their life stories, either through typing, writing or manual transcription of audio tape. On a hand-held recorder, and in a one-on-one interview format, each participant's voice was converted to digital form as the narration proceeded. This digital recording was then transcribed electronically into a computer, which subsequently converted the digital voice record into text. The resultant text was corrected to mirror the audible story, and a printed copy was given to each participant. Adapting this emerging technology to a one-on-one interview process presented many challenges, the most significant of which was correcting the machine-generated text to mirror the audio recording. The technique of assisted life stories has potential for more widespread usage when software programs are developed that more adequately address the unique requirements of an interview format and require a shorter training period.