About the project
Building on a growing network of qualitative methods research at the University, this PhD would explore the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies like large language models (LLMs) and classifiers to augment the humanistic and reflexive practices of skilled qualitative researchers.
Qualitative data analysis is fundamental to research across many disciplines; but it is still a time-consuming task that requires highly-skilled researchers. Computational approaches can speed the process up, but also lack the reflexivity and insight that human researchers bring to their analysis. Can Human-AI teams get the best of both?
The analysis of qualitative data is central to understanding meaning. Quals are used in engineering, the humanities, and the social sciences; and are also fundamental to applied tasks outside of academia such as market research, democratic engagement, and design.
With access to world-leading AI researchers, and a diverse community of qualitative research practitioners, Southampton has amazing potential to support research in this area.
This is an exciting opportunity to drive innovative new practices right across research, through detailed engagement with a diverse group of practitioners and the design of new tools that help them to work more effectively.
Outputs from your work would advance our knowledge of how to design tools that leverage the respective strengths of humans and AI, and will need to consider the usability and effectiveness in the design of new tools, as well as the methodological underpinnings of qualitative research, and applications of AI algorithms.
This opportunity would suit a candidate with broad academic interests and a desire to apply technology, thoughtfully, to improve the scientific process.
As required, the University will provide training in:
- AI
- machine-learning
- qualitative data analysis
- professional and research skills.
