Abstract:

This paper reviews the impact of new technologies in the research process over the past five years and the incoming new technologies up to the next millennium. The main focus, the effect of speech-to-text Voice Recognition technology - upon the industry in general, processing, research enablement, artificial intelligence and linguistic modelling. In general the effect of speech dictation will first be seen in terms of accuracy, increased response and quality, particularly in difficult and international markets, with the ability to combine use with tele and video conferencing, telecommunications. This new IT will have a significant affect on accuracy, reliability and incisiveness of qualitative research, its interpretation and analysis. While negating traditional bias, this should bring wider use. The paper also looks at how the idea of evolutionary behaviour and psychology may be introduced into today’s research.