A Critical Perspective Over Whether and How to Acknowledge the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Qualitative Studies

Authors

Prokopis Christou, Cyprus University of TechnologyFollow

Abstract

There has been a rise in scepticism regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in qualitative research tasks such as critical reviews, conceptualization, thematic and content analysis, and potentially theory development. Concerns have been raised over the possibility that researchers intentionally avoid discussing or even mentioning the use of AI in their studies for a variety of reasons, including the "fear" of criticism and rejection of their papers. The purpose of this paper, which is guided by critical perspective principles, is to examine the controversy surrounding the appropriate recognition of AI in theoretical discussions and qualitative research, including conceptual, critical reviews, empirical, and other types of studies of qualitative nature. Prior to a discussion of how to acknowledge the use of AI, the significance of notions of acknowledgment and academic integrity in the context of research are discussed. As the author of this paper, I acknowledge and document the use of both AI and the researcher’s cognitive skills in the development of this theoretical critical perspective study through a four-phase process, while giving directions of when and how to acknowledge the use of AI in qualitative studies.

Keywords

artificial intelligence, AI, qualitative research, methodology

Author Bio(s)

Prokopis A. Christou is an Assistant Professor at the Cyprus University of Technology. He specializes in contemporary experiential issues, qualitative methods and thematic analysis. He is the author of two sole-authored books and has published various papers of conceptual nature, critical perspective articles, systematic reviews, and empirical studies based on qualitative methodologies in prestigious academic journals. He is also interested in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and academia, particularly in qualitative research, and is currently investigating applications, potentials, limitations and ethical implications of AI. His fascination with AI stems from his observation that it is becoming increasingly useful in many fields, including academia and research, and is directly linked to many aspects of our daily lives. However, it is increasingly linked to several undesirable effects, such as the elimination of human labor, the reduction of human investment in critical thinking, and ethical challenges in its implementation. Prokopis's interest in AI stems from his desire to find concrete applications for the use of AI in the fields of academia, research, and contemporary society. Please direct correspondence to prokopis.christou@cut.ac.cy.

Publication Date

7-10-2023

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2023.6407

Recommended APA Citation

Christou, P. (2023). A Critical Perspective Over Whether and How to Acknowledge the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Qualitative Studies. The Qualitative Report, 28(7), 1981-1991. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2023.6407

ORCID ID

0000-0001-6628-2619