AI-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis

Description:

Introduction/Overview

The aim of this interactive workshop is to consider the methodologically appropriate and ethical use of Generative-AI (Gen-AI) tools to analyse qualitative data in the form of transcripts from e.g. interviews and focus groups, or other textual materials (e.g. literature, policy reports, open-ended survey responses etc.). We begin considering computer-assisted qualitative analysis and the range of ways technology can assist human interpretation in general terms. This includes putting recent developments in Gen-AI technologies, prompted by the availability of large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other similar models, into methodological context, and providing an overview of AI-assisted qualitative analysis tools currently available. We discuss these tools in terms of how they can be used across the qualitative research workflow, from ideation for research design, through data collection, exploration/familiarisation and analysis, to writing up and communicating findings. Comparisons are made, and illustrations demonstrated, between the three genres of Gen-AI tools for qualitative analysis: general-purpose tools (e.g. ChatGPT), new Apps focussed on harnessing Gen-AI (e.g. AILYZE, CoLoop, Reveal, QInsights) and integrations into established qualitative software programs (e.g. ATLAS.ti, MAXQDA, NVivo, QualCoder, and QDA Miner).

We then experiment with using two tools following a series of hands-on exercises: Reveal and MAXQDA. First, we focus on Reveal, a new online AI tool first released in 2024 in response to generative-AI technologies and aimed at supporting research agencies undertake qualitative analysis. Participants will be taken through the process of setting up analysis studies, creating and working with AI-generated transcripts and summaries, using the Gen-AI tools to generate and ask questions of the data, using the analysis grid to make comparisons, linking back to the original data to sense-check and develop interpretations, and outputting findings for writing up qualitative accounts.

Then we focus on MAXQDA, one of the pioneer qualitative analysis tools available since 1989 which has since early 2023 incorporated Open-AI capabilities into its broader suite of tools. Participants will be taken through the process of setting up a project, creating and working with AI-generated transcripts, summaries and paraphrases, developing codes using the AI Assist tools, integrating AI-generated analysis with other work done in MAXQDA, and outputting findings for writing up qualitative accounts.

The workshop integrates ethical considerations throughout, including data privacy and security issues, reflecting on and mitigating bias, appropriate uses of these technologies, how to document their use transparently, and best practices for integrating artificial intelligence with human interpretation in qualitative studies.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

• Have a critical awareness of the range of AI-assisted qualitative analysis tools
• Be equipped to consider their ethical incorporation into analysis practice
• Have practical, hands-on experience with using Reveal and MAXQDA’s AI-assisted tools that can be transferred to other applications

Topics

The course will cover:

• Historical context of AI-assisted qualitative analysis
• Planning for and setting up AI-assisted qualitative analysis projects
• The ethics of incorporating AI-assisted tools into qualitative analysis
• Using AI-assisted tools to transcribe, explore and summarise qualitative data
• Using AI-assisted tools to generate ideas for qualitative coding
• Using AI-assisted tools to identify patterns and relationships
• Reporting on the use of AI-assisted tools in qualitative analysis

Course tutor

Christina Silver, PhD, is a researcher and facilitator of qualitative data analysis methods and digital tools, specializing in all the major programs, including AILYZE, ATLAS.ti, CoLoop, Dedoose, Discovertext, f4analyse, MAXQDA, QDA Miner, QIsights, Qualrus, NVivo, Reveal, Transana, and WordStat.

She is Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Sociology at the University of Surrey, where she is also Director of the CAQDAS Networking Project which since 1994 has raised awareness and built capacity in the use of qualitative software amongst the global social research community. She is also Co-Director of the department’s Short Courses in Social Research programme.

Christina also undertakes research, training, and consultancy via QDA Services and is co-author of Using Software in Qualitative Research: A Step-by-Step Guide (SAGE 2014), and Qualitative Analysis Using ATLAS.ti / MAXQDA / NVivo: The Five-Level QDA ®Method (Routledge 2018). Christina has trained many thousands of researchers and students in qualitative methods/software since 1998

Since November 2022 when OpenAI launched ChatGPT Christina has been engaging with the genres of new technologies emerging and their impact on the practice and perception of qualitative analysis in different sectors (including academic, government, industry, voluntary, and global, settings). She has conducted dozens of workshops, webinars and other events around the world on the implication of the rise of Generative-AI tools on qualitative analysis, and advised and trained international research centres, projects, agencies, individuals, and government departments on the issues.

This course contributes 6 hours to the MRS CPD programme

Cost:

£180 for SRA members, £235 for non-members

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Collection, Data Quality and Data Management , Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis, ICT and Software, Research Management and Impact, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Collection
Data Quality and Data Management
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis
ICT and Software
Research Management and Impact
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

Back to the training database