Appropriate Uses of AI for Qualitative Analysis

The rise of Generative-AI has resulted in heated debate in the qualitative research community, with some heralding this new era with enthusiasm whilst others look at what’s occurring with horror. Whether you’re an advocate or a sceptic, come along to discuss the issues and consider whether and how it might be appropriate to integrate AI tools into the qualitative analysis workflow. This session begins by mapping the landscape; providing some historical context and outlining the three core genres AI tools in the qualitative data analysis (QDA) space: the use of general-purpose chatbot tools (such as ChatGPT and similar), a plethora of new Apps harnessing Gen-AI functionality, and the integration of Gen-AI features into established qualitative software platforms. We then focus in on how Gen-AI integrations can be used in methodologically appropriate ways to assist QDA in different contexts. Current options are outlined, demonstrated and discussed: AI Summaries, AI Code Suggestions / Coding, and AI Chatting. We then consider how and when these tools can be used appropriately and in combination with human interpretation at different stages of the analytic workflow. This includes ethical issues including model development, informed consent, and authorship, and methodological implications such as interpretive capabilities, the changing role of digital tools and collaborative analysis. 

This session is part of the 2025 IASSIST QDA Workshop Series, a year-long series exploring tools and technologies for qualitative data analysis (QDA).