Engaging the Senses in Qualitative Research via Multimodal Coding: Triangulating Transcript, Audio, and Video Data in a Study With Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

The variety of formats in which qualitative data may be collected have been explored within the methodological literature. Yet, multiple options for coding these not comprehensively detailed. While transcript analysis is widely used across disciplines, it limitations—particularly research involving marginalized populations. This paper presents a multimodal approach as innovation triangulating three (transcript, audio, and video), detailed through application this analytic during study exploring media engagement with sexual gender minority youth (SGMY). Nineteen semi-structured interviews SGMY were filmed transcribed. Nine independent coders then utilized innovative to code using constructivist grounded theory framework. Some codes similar modalities, such those related safety issues finding identity community media. Others differed between participant affect, perceived contradictions, discrepancies verbal statements body language, level comfort engagement, distress when discussing traumatic experiences. Video captured broadest range emotions experiences from youth, while transcripts provided most straightforward form coding. Multimodal applicable approaches enrich analyses account potential biases, thereby enhancing analytical lenses inquiry. Methodological strategies integrating types are discussed.