Man vs. Machine, or Is It? Using AI to Conduct Qualitative Analyses

• In Event: The AI Dilemma in Qualitative Research

Abstract

The imminent proliferation of AI tools such as ChatGPT have the potential to transform nearly every element of our lives. However, hasty implementation could dilute the quality of work and reinforce existing inequities. As qualitative researchers, we have a duty to consider how to responsibly leverage these emerging tools for robust, scalable, analysis. Using semi-structured interview data from 78 participants about their paper and digital reading, this study surfaces comparative strengths and challenges of qualitative coding using the AI tools ChatGPT and Atlas.ti. and a human coder. Our findings consider how all three of these coding tools can be effectively integrated in qualitative analysis.

Authors

• Abbey E Gonzales, Vanderbilt University

• Michael S. Havazelet, Vanderbilt University

• Amanda Yoshiko Shimizu, Eastern Kentucky University