Tuesday 5 December
What’s happening in the qualitative AI space and why it matters
Presenter: Associate Professor Christina Silver
Time: 9am–10am NZDT
There’s been increasing discussion throughout 2023 about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in qualitative research, spurred by widespread access to generative-AI technologies such as ChatGPT. In this session, Christina will outline how generative AI is presently being used in qualitative data analysis, discussing three case uses: chat bots alongside other analytic tools; integrations of OpenAI technology into already established qualitative software; and the rise of new generative-AI applications designed specifically for qualitative data analysis tasks. Christina will also discuss the implications of these developments for the practice of qualitative research. When are these tools appropriate? What do we need to know about them? What are the ethics of using them? What should we be cautious and excited about? How can the qualitative community shape their development? Whether you’re an advocate of the use of AI in qualitative data analysis or a sceptic, these technologies are here, they have already impacted on the field of qualitative research and they will continue to do so. Be part of the conversation, find out what’s happening, share your experiences and experimentations, and your fears and hopes.
Automated transcription for qualitative research: Opportunities and cautions
Presenter: Dr Daniel Turner
Time: 10:30am–11:30am NZDT
The ability to get quick, affordable and accurate transcriptions of audio recordings from automated transcription services can make qualitative data from interviews and focus groups much easier to prepare for analysis. But it also has the potential to change how qualitative researchers see data, and the scope of what can be included in qualitative research projects. It greatly expands the opportunities to collect more spoken-word material, outside of formal settings, as well as our own reflections and commentary. However, there are also limitations and ethical considerations when using these machine learning and AI tools, which should be fully considered as part of the reflexivity of our analytic approaches.
Kapow! Comics-based qualitative research and data analysis
Presenter: Professor Sally Pirie
Time: 12noon–1pm NZDT
This one-hour overview will provide participants with a working knowledge of what comics-based research is, under the umbrella of arts-based research. We will discuss how comic conventions can be used not only to help us conduct good qualitative research and especially powerful data analysis, but also become familiar with working qualitative artists in the field and how they do this work. Finally, participants will learn a three-step method for starting to think about the role of drawing in data analysis. Don’t worry—you do not need to be able to draw to do this work (spoiler alert: you are a better visual artist and thinker than you know!).
Methods to nurture authentic involvement in co-created research
Presenter: Professor Vanessa Burholt
Time: 2pm–3pm NZDT
Co-created research involves stakeholders as informed equal partners throughout the research cycle, from idea generation, through study design, collecting, analysing and interpreting data, to implementation of results. Vanessa will introduce the foundational theories of co-creation and then focus on initial steps of the research cycle: co-creating a research study. To ensure consistent public involvement throughout the research cycle, bespoke training is often provided to co-researchers. This training and other co-creation activities can be adapted to be inclusive and nurture authentic involvement. Vanessa will provide some examples of ‘imprography’, adaptation and creativity in co-created research development with people living with dementia, and with a rudimentary education background in rural India. These techniques can be customised for various populations and can be used to engage individuals who might otherwise be excluded from participating in research conducted using more ‘traditional’ research methods.
Reflexivity and creative research
Presenter: Dr Anuja Cabraal
Time: 3:30pm–4:30pm NZDT
As researchers, we are instruments of research, which means we all have intellectual and emotional forces that influence our work. In this session, we will reflect on and explore some of the reasons behind our choices in a given method or approach. We will examine which methods we perceive to be the best fit for our work and some of the reasons for this, and we will interrogate and explore our relationship with different methods, through a series of exercises and questions. The aim of the session is to have a greater level of transparency, clarity and understanding around which methods are best suited for us and our research, as well as to identify any potential challenges and ways to address them.
Wednesday 6 December
The art of not coding qualitative data
Presenter: Dr Daniel Turner
Time: 9am–10am NZDT
When we start qualitative analysis, the seduction of codes and coding can quickly prove overwhelming. Qualitative software can sometimes make creating codes too easy, and lead the researcher into creating categories too early, adding too many codes, and sometimes doing it all before we have fully read and absorbed the data. This session will outline ways that researchers can use systems to code and explore the data without creating formal codes. More like working with a limited number of highlighters, this approach can force researchers to consider the data while limiting their own interpretation, making later cycles of coding easier.
An introduction to visual elicitation methods in qualitative research
Presenter: Professor Nigel King
Time: 10:30am–11:30am NZDT
Visual elicitation methods (VEMs) are forms of data collection in which research participants are asked to produce some kind of visual representation of their experience or position in relation to the research topic. They are now a well-established part of the repertoire available to the qualitative researcher, though the extent and sophistication of their use varies across disciplines and methodological traditions. Equally, particular forms of VEM tend to dominate in particular settings or traditions, meaning that researchers often do not consider the full range of options when deciding on their choice for a project. In this talk, Professor King will consider the arguments for using VEMs in general, in terms of the type of data they produce and the ways in which they affect the researcher-participant relationship. He will provide an overview of the three main categories of VEM—photo-elicitation, drawing methods and diagrammatic methods—and provide examples of the use of each, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and the practical challenges involved in using them. The session will conclude with an introduction to the analysis of data obtained by such methods. The overarching aim is to help you, as a qualitative researcher, to make informed choices about incorporating VEMs into your own research and using them to their maximum potential.
Writing intelligently with AI
Presenter: Professor Helen Sword
Time: 12noon–1pm NZDT
How can you make the most of artificially intelligent chatbots such as ChatGPT without degrading your writing skills or selling your soul? In this interactive session—suitable for AI aficionados and newbies alike—international writing expert Dr Helen Sword will guide you through a series of exercises designed to help you find the ‘why’ in your interactions with these ubiquitous, rapidly evolving research tools. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have developed your own personal strategies and guidelines for writing thoughtfully and effectively both with and without generative AI.
Qualitative analysis through purposeful play
Presenter: Professor Pat Bazeley
Time: 2pm–3pm NZDT
In this session, we will be looking at some fun ways to become familiar with your qualitative data and with the cases in your project, as a start to the analysis process. Learn from the detail in your data as you explore the language, the stories, the puzzles therein, and play with the ideas these generate. Then we will consider how visualising your data might help you to see and interpret connections between those ideas and between the concepts involved in them, as a way of contributing to building a comprehensive understanding, and perhaps theory.
Picture perfect themes: Bringing qualitative insights to life
Presenters: Dr Lyn Lavery
Time: 3:30pm–4:30pm NZDT
This session is crafted for qualitative researchers eager to delve into the art and science of visualising themes. It's not just about presenting findings; it's about nurturing a deeper understanding and developing richer insights through the use of visuals. Lyn will demonstrate the use of tools such as NVivo, Canva, XMind and Miro for not only presenting your findings but also for developing your analytical thinking and insights. Learn how visual representations can significantly enhance the impact and comprehensibility of your written work, aiding in clearer articulation of your insights.
Thursday 7 December
Drawing techniques in qualitative research
Presenter: Professor Nigel King
Time: 9am–10am NZDT
This session will focus on one category of visual elicitation methods: drawing-based techniques. Although Professor King will outline the key philosophical and theoretical arguments underpinning their use, the main emphasis will be on the practicalities of employing drawing techniques in your own research. Most drawing-based techniques can be placed within one of two broad types; free drawing and supplied metaphor. In the former, although there may well be rules or guidelines relating to the drawing process, the participant is allowed a free choice over what they draw. In the latter, in contrast, the participant is asked to capture some aspect(s) of their experience within a particular visual metaphor; for example, a river or a tree. Professor King will provide detailed examples of these two approaches, highlighting issues such as the way instructions are framed, timing, materials and ethical issues. He will also consider participants’ concerns about being judged on their drawing skills and how these can be addressed. There will be an opportunity (voluntary, of course!) for some audience participation.
Maximising opportunities and managing risks: How we should be using AI in academic research
Presenter: Associate Professor Chris Deneen
Time: 10:30am–11:30am NZDT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers compelling advantages for academic research. These include rapid data analysis, predictive modelling, and efficient knowledge synthesis. However, the adoption of AI also presents risks. These include potential biases in algorithms, over-reliance on automation, and ethical considerations. Using authentic examples and relevant theoretical framing, this session delves into the possibilities that AI affords researchers, while highlighting the critical importance of approaching AI application with caution, transparency, and a commitment to ethical integrity.
Creative approaches to academic writing
Presenter: Professor Helen Sword
Time: 12noon–1pm NZDT
In this playful, hands-on session, international writing expert Helen Sword will guide you through arts-based approaches to your research and academic writing. Following a brief overview of the research literature on the cognitive benefits of creative activity, you’ll undertake a series of ‘creative invitations’ designed to expand your cognitive horizons via story, poetry, drama, movement, metaphor, and the visual arts.
Special Interest Groups + Closing
Facilitator: Dr Lyn Lavery
Time: 2pm–4:30pm NZDT
In the final afternoon of the conference, Dr Lyn Lavery will facilitate Special Interest Groups for those interested in further discussing some of the ideas presented at the conference (specifically, AI in research and creative methods). There will also be an informal closing session where we’ll discuss suggestions for putting new ideas learned into practice. View the timetable for session times.
Friday 8 December
Member Research Presentations
Friday 8 December isn't an official day of the conference, but if you're a Research Accelerator member there will be an opportunity to get together for some informal research presentations. Members of our community will be sharing their own research in a series of 15 minute sessions. We'll also have a few "show and tell" sessions where you can see how members have used digital research tools for their own research.