Summer School in Social Sciences Methods Plenary Session: How can we ensure the use of Generative-AI for Qualitative Research aligns with our values as Social Researchers?
Institute of Communication and Public Policy
Date: 21 August 2025 / 17:00 - 18:30
Aula Polivalente (ground floor, block A), USI, Campus EST and ONLINE
This special Summer School in Social Sciences Methods session (open online to the public) will delve into critical considerations for integrating generative AI into qualitative research while maintaining core social researcher values. Our featured speaker, Christina Silver from the University of Surrey, will address the crucial question: "How can we ensure the use of Generative-AI for Qualitative Research aligns with our values as Social Researchers?". Following her presentation, Bernhard Kittel from the University of Vienna and Giovanni Colavizza from the University of Copenhagen and University of Bologna will provide their perspectives.
Abstract
Since late 2022 there has been increasing discussion about the capabilities of tools derived from the capabilities of Generative-AI for phases of the qualitative research workflow - from research design and ideation, through data collection, transcription, and analysis, to writing up. Advocates are keen to adopt these technologies into their practice and promote them as ways of speeding up processes, broadening the scale of qualitative work and deepening insights. Sceptics caution against the environmental, social and methodological consequences of the use of Generative-AI for qualitative work, refusing to use such technology as a point of principle. These opposing views are causing divisions in the field of qualitative research that are important to discuss. Researchers using Generative-AI tools for any aspect of the qualitative research workflow must make choices about what is appropriate, when, and why in the context of what it means to undertake social research - and be able to justify these decisions which may be challenged and criticised. Opening up this discussion is the point of this session - both sides of the debate will be outlined and the audience encouraged to respectfully engage with alternative viewpoints to critically reflect on their own assumptions and positions as well as those coming from differing positions.
This entire session will last approximately 1 hour and will be held in a hybrid mode - on Campus EST in Aula Polivalente (ground floor, block A, Campus EST) for our Summer School participants, and online, open to USI and SUPSI students and faculty and general public. Afterwards, we invite the Summer School participants to continue the conversations during refreshments and networking in the courtyard.
Join us online via Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 387 413 663 141 7
Passcode: Tr7Dn32v
