Bite-sized

Day 1: Thursday, 12 September

Generative AI (GAI) offers a paradigm shift for research practice, but most researchers currently consider themselves to be novices in terms of the methodological opportunities of GAI, and the associated philosophical and ethical issues that it raises. This session will explore the potential that GAI tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot, offer qualitative researchers during both data collection and data analysis stages. It will share the experience of using different GAI prompts to pilot survey and focus group interview schedules, in scenarios where GAI took on the role of both the respondent(s) and the interviewer. The session will also share the findings of some trials undertaken to explore GAI's ability to assist with elements of qualitative data analysis, including sentiment analysis, support with transcription and thematic analysis and coding. Integral to the session will also be consideration of the philosophical and ethical considerations. The session will build on work arising from an Advanced HE Collaborative Research Project on GAI in Research Practice being undertaken by Staffordshire University with the UK Council for Graduate Education.