HGGS Masterclass AI-Assisted Qualitative Analysis
Professor Trena M. Paulus, Ph.D.
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
East Tennessee State University
Friday, 31 May 2024
10 am – 3 pm
Neue Universität, Universitätsplatz: Orgelraum (3rd floor)
Lecture
Generative artificial intelligence tools (AI) are changing the landscape of qualitative research practices. Established software companies such as Lumivero NVivo, ATLAS.ti and Verbi MAXQDA having already integrated AI- features into their software, with new tools such as Co-loop and Qeludra in rapid development. Algorithmic bias, protecting participant data and establishing the accuracy and relevance of AI-assist tools are just a few of the methodological questions researchers are facing in this arena. In this talk I will extend our ‘technological reflexivity’ framework (Paulus & Lester, 2023) to the use of AI in qualitative research designs, considering in what ways existing research methods may need to be adapted, what potential consequences these tools have for human researchers and participants, how the use of AI will impact what counts as valid research outcomes, and how AI-assist tools themselves may need to be re-designed or reconsidered as a result.
Paulus, T. & Lester, J. (2023). Digital qualitative research workflows: A reflexivity framework for technological consequences. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. DOI: 10.1080/13645579.2023.2237359
Workshop
The half-day workshop will guide researchers through the design of a qualitative research study augmented by AI-assist tools available in one of the major qualitative data analysis software packages, such as ATLAS.ti or MAXQDA. Following the design principles suggested by Paulus and Wise (2019), participants will be guided in defining the object of research interest, articulating research questions and ensuring methodological alignment, extracting sources of data in an ethical manner, engaging in qualitative analysis, and generating robust answers to the research questions. The free trial version of the software should be downloaded prior to the workshop on participants’ computers.
Paulus, T.M. & Wise, A. (2019). Looking for insight, transformation and learning in online talk. New York, NY: Routledge.
Website- Prof. Trena M. Paulus, Ph.D.