CSR Transcription Techniques & Speed Building 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software, what is a 'global' edit?
- Editing that applies only to the first instance of an error
- A translation change that automatically corrects every instance of a specific steno outline throughout the entire transcript (Correct answer)
- Saving the transcript to a cloud server
- A spell-check function that runs after transcription is complete
Correct answer: A translation change that automatically corrects every instance of a specific steno outline throughout the entire transcript
A global edit in CAT software replaces all instances of a miswritten outline or word simultaneously, dramatically speeding up transcript editing.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'conflict list' in CAT software?
- A list of exhibits entered into evidence
- A list of steno outlines that translate to more than one possible word, requiring manual resolution (Correct answer)
- A log of technical errors in the steno machine
- A record of objections made during a deposition
Correct answer: A list of steno outlines that translate to more than one possible word, requiring manual resolution
Conflict lists flag identical steno outlines that have multiple possible translations so the reporter can select the correct word in context.
Question 3: During a jury trial, the judge speaks at approximately 280 WPM for a sustained period. What is the most appropriate action for the reporter?
- Interrupt and request a slower pace
- Use an abbreviated outline strategy and request a read-back if needed after the segment (Correct answer)
- Switch to audio recording only
- Stop writing and note the time for reference
Correct answer: Use an abbreviated outline strategy and request a read-back if needed after the segment
Experienced reporters use compressed outlines at high speeds and may request a reread of specific unclear segments rather than interrupting flow.
Question 4: Which transcription technique helps maintain accuracy when multiple speakers are talking simultaneously (crosstalk)?
- Transcribing only the loudest voice
- Using a notation like '[Crosstalk]' or '[Simultaneous speaking]' and noting each speaker as clearly as possible (Correct answer)
- Leaving all crosstalk sections blank
- Flagging the section and requesting a transcript from the other party's reporter
Correct answer: Using a notation like '[Crosstalk]' or '[Simultaneous speaking]' and noting each speaker as clearly as possible
Proper crosstalk notation preserves the record's integrity while honestly reflecting that simultaneous speech made verbatim capture impossible.
Question 5: What is 'word boundary' recognition in the context of steno theory and transcription?
- The maximum number of words per minute a reporter can write
- The ability of the reporter and CAT software to correctly distinguish separate words from a single steno stroke sequence (Correct answer)
- The margin settings in a transcript document
- A test format for CSR exams
Correct answer: The ability of the reporter and CAT software to correctly distinguish separate words from a single steno stroke sequence
Word boundary recognition ensures that steno strokes are correctly parsed into individual words rather than merged or incorrectly split during CAT translation.
Question 6: A reporter notices a consistent mistranslation of the name 'Rodriguez' as 'Rodrigues' throughout a 300-page transcript. The most efficient correction method is:
- Manually correcting each instance page by page
- Using the CAT software's global replace function to fix all instances at once (Correct answer)
- Rewriting the steno notes for those sections
- Leaving the error and adding a footnote on page one
Correct answer: Using the CAT software's global replace function to fix all instances at once
The global replace function corrects all instances simultaneously, saving significant time on long transcripts.
Question 7: In speed building, what is a 'literary take' and what speed range does it typically target for CSR candidates?
- A take using poetry, typically at 60-80 WPM
- A take from published non-legal text such as news articles, typically practiced at 180-225 WPM (Correct answer)
- A take from court transcripts, practiced at 300+ WPM
- A memorization exercise for legal terminology
Correct answer: A take from published non-legal text such as news articles, typically practiced at 180-225 WPM
Literary takes use general prose to build baseline speed before progressing to the more complex vocabulary and pacing of jury charge and testimony.
CSR Transcription Techniques & Speed Building 3
In CAT (Computer-Aided Transcription) software, what is a 'global' edit?