Tape Recorder Vs. The Pen

     

Ahh the classic debate of is it better to use a tape recorder or hand write notes during an interview.  From the interviewers point of view I would rather take advantage of technology and use the tape recorder. However, I admit that I would use it out of pure and simple laziness. I do not believe that the use of a tape recorder holds any advantages over the classic pen and paper. Many say the use of a tape recorder allows the interviewer to maintain eye contact with the interviewee. However, I argue that with practice it’s just as easy to maintain eye contact while writing. Also you have to look at it from the interviewee’s point of view. Would you appreciate it if someone jammed a tape recorder in your face and interrogated you?  I do not think so. The whole process can actually be kind of intimidating and make the subject quite uncomfortable. Not to mention that there is always the possibly of the technology failing and losing all of your saved information. Technology fails all the time; I would not risk my entire interview on it. Another advantage of the good old fashion pen and pad of paper is the ability to take side notes with discretion. You can note aspects of the settings, facial expressions of the interviewee, tone of voice or even what they are wearing. You can write down anything that interests you or anything you find to be of value. As opposed to a tape recorder where the interviewer would have to either stop the interview or wait until after the interview is over in order to make any form of side note.  Tape recording can also land you in some serious hot water if you are not careful.  The law states that you must be sure to make the person you are recording aware that they are being recorded or they can reserve the right to sue you.  This is not a hypothetical situation either, it has happened in the past. It is essentially the same thing as bugging someone’s telephone.