Considerations in using AI for Qualitative Analysis (Online)

Key information

Start date:
06 June 2025
Attendance dates:

06 June 2025

Time commitment:
4 hours 1pm – 5pm
Venue:
Distance learning
Contact details:

Overview

This workshop considers the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for qualitative research, to aid students and researchers in deciding whether and how its use is appropriate for their projects. 

We begin mapping the field of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS (CAQDAS), putting recent developments in generative-AI in context. This includes differentiating the CAQDAS field from other related fields (text mining/content analysis and computational linguistics/ NLP), and reflecting on how generative-AI capabilities differ from previously available tools designed to facilitate qualitative analysis, such as concept and topic modelling, automated coding, and machine learning. 

We then consider how the core capabilities of generative-AI map onto the qualitative research workflow and discuss whether, when and how each may have a place, and when they are not appropriate. This includes developments in speech-to-text technologies and the implications on transcription, the role and functioning of AI summarisation, coding and conversing within qualitative materials in different applications, and using generative-AI for ideation, data collection and contributing to the writing up of qualitative research findings. 

In considering the technical capabilities we critically reflect on the methodological implications and ethical consequences at every stage of the qualitative workflow. This includes considering how AI tools are developed and marketed to researchers, implemented within existing tools, and how their use affects the research process and the legitimacy of outputs. 

The workshop showcases a selection of CAQDAS-packages including ATLAS.ti,  DiscoverText, MAXQDA, NVivo and QDA Miner and also Chatbots like ChatGPT. 

Learning outcomes

  • Understand technical developments in the field of qualitative analysis 
  • Have an overview of the range of digital tools designed to facilitate qualitative text analysis that utilise AI capabilities
  • Understand the range of AI tools for qualitative analysis, how they are developed and how they work
  • Understand the importance of analytic planning in harnessing digital tools for qualitative text analysis 
  • Understand when the use of AI for qualitative analysis may be appropriate, and when it is not 
  • Understand the principles of making appropriate choices between digital tools for analytic purposes
  • Know where to access relevant resources to support continued use of digital tools for qualitative text analysis 

Course content

  • The history of Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis
  • The Generative-AI explosion
  • Tools and their uses in the qualitative workflow
  • The ethics of using AI for qualitative research
  • Implications on the practice of qualitative analysis
  • Making informed choices and reflecting critically on them

Assessment

None

Course leader

Christina Silver profile image

Dr Christina Silver

Associate Professor (Teaching), Director of CAQDAS Networking Project

This workshop is delivered online using Zoom. In order to attend you will need a computer (Mac or Windows) that has access to the internet, and a microphone (inbuilt or external). We encourage participants to share their image using a webcam to foster dialogue and interaction, but this is not a requirement. 

Entry requirements

None

Fees and funding

Price per person:

£27

UGPN student discount (all Surrey students)

£35

Students

£38

UGPN staff discount (all Surrey staff)

£45

Education and charitable sector applicants

£55

Government and commercial sector applicants

What these fees include

Handouts, slides, links to further resources.

Funding opportunities

Participants applying for either UGPN discount will need to use their University email address to be eligible.

  • North Carolina (NC) State University: @ncsu.edu  
  • University of Sāo Paulo (USP): @usp.br 
  • University of Wollongong: @uow.edu.au 
  • University of Surrey: @surrey.ac.uk

All staff and students at any of the above institutions are now eligible for the UGPN discount as part of UGPN.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Administrative Officer, Short Courses
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH