The research area of text analysis is interwoven with many different domains of research. At the BMS faculty it is an integral part of the domain of group dynamics and group decision making. The challenge is to capture the dynamic decision-making process and group dynamics without disturbing them. The methodology often employed is often related to group interaction, which describes group behavior in the broadest sense. To facilitate these studies, we have a wide range of recording, text and speech analysis software and observation equipment.
Recording equipment and smartphones
The right recording equipment can make a big impact on your ability to analyze studies. Whether you use television studio like mobile field recording kits, static microphones, camera systems, the analysis or even simple smartphones can be of great use. Luckily the BMS lab has licenses for transcription software Amberscript and its very own Sociometry app. For a reliable analysis a good recording is essential. The assortment of recording equipment at the BMS lab features many items, ranging from the handy Zoom H4N microphones, to full field recording sets. Video recording is also possible thanks to the full sized (television like) cameras, a variety of Go Pros and smartphones.
Amberscript transcription service
Amberscript is an integral part of speech and text analysis in the BMS lab. It allows for the creation of accurate transcripts of multiple people speaking in a wide range of languages. The transcripts do need a correction run, but can feature as excellent input for text analysis in the study of group dynamics. Learn how to sign-up and use Amberscript from our info hub. We do recommend combining the use of Amberscript with high quality recording equipment like the ones described above, as it will lead to a crisper and more easily to transcribe audio file.
Observation rooms
The use of observation rooms has been a long tradition in many fields associated with the social sciences. Through the use of a one-way-mirror one can unobtrusively observe a group of participants that take part in a study. The room allows for live recording and discussions while the session on the other side is going on.
Sociometry app
Within the field of group interactions is a big interest in the underlying group dynamics. For example, who speaks the most, at what tone and how is the dynamic of the conversation? The Sociometry app (available on Android & IOS) developed by the BMS lab aids researchers in answering such questions. It allows for the recording of a conversation through a simple smartphone and enables analysis on wide array of aspects, such as the dominance of speakers, their tempo and tone. It gives key insights in group makeup and conversational progress and provides the ability to transcribe conversations.