Considerations When Using AI for Qualitative Analysis

Facilitator: Associate Professor Christina Silver
Date and time: Thursday 30 January & Friday 31 January, 9:30am–11:30am NZDT
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of qualitative research and qualitative data analysis approaches will be helpful

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

We begin mapping the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis (CAQDAS) field, 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, CoLoop, DiscoverText, MAXQDA, NVivo and QualCoder, QDA Miner, Reveal, Transana and also chatbots such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, MS Copilot, and NotebookLM.

Writing Qualitatively: A Masterclass

Facilitator: Dr Lyn Lavery
Date and time: Tuesday 4 February, 9:30am–2:00pm NZDT
Prerequisites: This workshop is aimed at researchers with some qualitative writing experience i.e. it is not suitable for beginners

When faced with thousands of words in your raw data and coding, the write-up of a qualitative project can be one of the most challenging, but also rewarding aspects of the research process. This masterclass is aimed at researchers with some qualitative writing experience who are looking to extend their knowledge and learn some practical tips for managing the process more efficiently. It’s intended to be a very practical course, so bring along your research experiences and questions, as there will be opportunities for discussion throughout.

Content will include:

• Understanding different styles of qualitative writing
  
• Critique of qualitative writing examples
  
• Managing the qualitative writing process
  
• Tools and techniques for visually representing qualitative findings
  
• Tightening up and polishing your writing
  
• Overcoming some of the challenges of qualitative writing
  

Introduction to Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Facilitator: Dr Gareth Terry
Date and time: Monday 10 February & Tuesday 11 February, 9:30am–12:30pm NZDT
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of qualitative research approaches will be helpful

This course will introduce the principles and practice of reflexive thematic analysis (TA), as described by Virginia Braun, Victoria Clarke, and their colleagues. It aims to support those planning to undertake qualitative research who have already collected qualitative data and are unsure how to analyse it, or who supervise or support students using qualitative data. The workshop is a mix of short lectures, practical activities, and group work, and while focused broadly, it is aimed at supporting those new to qualitative research or reflexive thematic analysis.

Content

• Material describing the principles of reflexive thematic analysis and how to best use its theoretical flexibility
  
• Demonstrations, practical exercises, and small group work with real data to develop familiarisation, coding, and theme development skills
  
• Feedback to help improve understanding
  

Learning outcomes

• Have an understanding of the principles and phases that enable the performance of a high-quality thematic analysis
  
• Have gained practical experience in each thematic analysis phase, including how to interpret and conceptualise data
  
• Be able to explain how Braun and Clarke’s version of TA differs from other approaches to TA, and other qualitative approaches
  
• Feedback to help improve understanding
  

Foundations of Arts-Based Research

Facilitator: Professor Sally Pirie
Date and time: Wednesday 12 February, 9:30am–12:30pm
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of qualitative research approaches will be helpful

This three-hour course is designed for researchers with little to no experience with arts-based research (ABR), but who are interested in learning about arts-based methodologies. The sessions involve three modalities of work:

1. Conversations: The information-rich “lecture” format will be presented as a series of structured conversations about arts-based research, its history and richness, and how to do it.


2. Connections: We will be specifically focused on hands-on guided activities that connect arts-based research and our key learnings with our own experiences, curiosities, and research goals.


3. Practice and workshop: We will have lots of opportunities to practice what we have learned in a small group structured workshop opportunities.

Every participant will finish the course with an excellent foundation in arts-based methodology.

Workshop content
Foundations: What is ABR?
Who is an artist?
Case studies in ABR 1: Creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry
Case studies in ABR 2: Visual arts, including comics-based methods
Case studies in ABR 3: Movement, including dance, theatre and performance art
Ethics and standards of rigour in ABR

Exploring Quirkos: Qualitative Analysis Made Simple

Facilitator: Dr Daniel Turner
Date and time: Tuesday 18 February, 9:30am–11:30am NZDT
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of qualitative research and qualitative data analysis approaches will be helpful

If you’re looking for simpler (but effective) software to assist with your qualitative data analysis, then Quirkos might just be what you’re looking for. Designed to help you get quickly immersed in your qualitative data, Quirkos has a range of coding and visualisation tools to help with your next project. The software is budget-friendly and the flexible design can be used for a range of qualitative data analysis approaches. This two-hour hands-on session will be presented by Dr Daniel Turner, the founder and Director of Quirkos. Daniel started Quirkos after completing his PhD, and a decade in academia working on qualitative health research, with the aim of providing more accessible qualitative software. Further information about Quirkos can be viewed at: https://www.quirkos.com.

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Facilitator: Professor Nigel King
Date and time: Wednesday 19, Thursday 20 & Friday 21 February, 9:30am–11:30am NZDT
Prerequisites: None

This three-part (6-hour) workshop is aimed at those with little or no experience conducting their own qualitative research projects. While it covers both philosophical and practical aspects, the emphasis is on the latter. The sessions all include substantial hands-on exercises for attendees and opportunities to ask questions.

Session 1: Philosophical underpinnings and methodological positions

• Why use qualitative methods?
  
• What do we assume about the nature of reality and how can we understand it through research? (AKA ontology and epistemology)
  
• Main methodological positions within qualitative research
  
• Introductions to quality, reflexivity, ethics
  

Session 2: Collecting qualitative data

• Some broad principles for qualitative data collection
  
• Main methods of qualitative data collection
  
• Interviews
  
• Observational methods
  
• Diaries
  
• Visual methods
  
• Quality, reflexivity and ethics in relation to qualitative data collection
  
  

Session 3: Analysing qualitative data

• Some broad principles for qualitative data analysis
  
• Main methods of qualitative data collection
  
• Thematic approaches
  
• Narrative and discursive approaches
  
• Participatory and co-construction approaches
  
• Quality, reflexivity and ethics in relation to qualitative data collection