Pre-Conference Workshops
Embodying Analysis: The Qualitative Research Methods Studio
Facilitator - Johnny Saldaña
Location - Nova Southeastern University
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – 10:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch break)
NOTE: Participants should dress in loose, comfortable clothing that will permit a variety of low-impact body movement.
Part 1: Gaming, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Games are metaphors for life, and selected games are metaphors for inquiry processes. The morning workshop demonstrates how selected board and improvisation-related games can be used to explore and learn basic principles of qualitative inquiry.
The card game Three for All parallels coding and categorizing, while the card game Pickles to Penguins challenges participants to find patterns, interrelationships, and storylines in visual data. On-your-feet games such as “Come, My Neighbor” demonstrate surveying and demographics, while the “Spectrum of Difference” focuses on properties and variability.
These strategic methods of joyful learning:
- serve as cognitive “warm-ups”
- clarify terminology and concepts
- transform the abstract into the “real”
- develop qualitative data analytic skills
- provide embodied, experiential learning
- provide novelty and engagement in the classroom
Participants will experience a spectrum of exercises and activities that can be transferred into the qualitative research methods classroom.
Part 2: Embodying Analysis, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Qualitative data analysis employs various traditional methods such as coding, both manually and through software, and other heuristics such as theme and assertion development. A more contemporary approach to data analysis is embodiment, the physicalization of in vivo codes and concepts through still and moving images. Rather than keeping analytic processes exclusively in the mind or on a monitor screen, the researcher’s body and voice are used as instruments for exploring the states and processes of human experience.
The “Embodying Analysis” workshop will take participants through a series of physical activities to explore data related to one of these four topics:
- depression
- addiction, recovery, and relapse
- social media dysfunction
- teaching dilemmas in grades K-12 classrooms
Image, movement, and vocal exercises from the canons of improvisational drama, Viola Spolin, and Augusto Boal will be facilitated to demonstrate how to “dramatize the data.” Reflection and experiential learnings will be documented through analytic memo writing, drawing, and discussion.
Theatre artists use their bodies, voices, and stage devices to convey to audiences their interpretations of scripted characters in dramatic action. Qualitative researchers can utilize these same techniques to analyze the meanings and significance of participant data.
(advance registration required)
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Qualitative Research
Facilitators - Dr. Jessica L. Parker and Dr. Veronica Richard
Location - Nova Southeastern University
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – 10:00am-5:00pm (1 hour lunch break)
NOTE: Participants should bring their laptops for hands-on activities.
Part 1: Introduction to Large Language Models in Qualitative Research (10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
The opening session aims to familiarize participants with the concept of large language models (LLMs) and their potential applications in qualitative research.
- What are LLMs?: An overview of LLMs, their architecture, and functionalities.
- Ethical Considerations: A discussion about data privacy, responsible AI use, and other ethical considerations.
- LLMs in Qualitative Research: Specific examples and case studies of how LLMs like ChatGPT are currently being used in qualitative research.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain an understanding of what LLMs are and how they function.
- Recognize the potential applications of LLMs in qualitative research.
- Understand the ethical dimensions of using LLMs in qualitative research.
Part 2: Use of LLMs to Develop and Refine Interview Protocols (11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
This session will be hands-on and focus on how LLMs can aid in the development and refinement of interview protocols.
- Mapping Research Questions: Exercise to align interview questions with research questions using LLMs.
- Crafting an Inquiry-based Conversation: Activity where participants use LLMs to construct a set of interview questions.
- Prototyping and Piloting: Simulated interview activity where ChatGPT serves as a stand-in for human interviewees.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the step-by-step process of using LLMs to develop and refine interview protocols.
- Engage in hands-on activities to practice the techniques.
- Critique prompting using LLMs and LLM outputs regarding interview protocol generation and refinement.
- Track processes to enhance trustworthiness.
Lunch Break (1:00 p.m.– 2:00 p.m.)
Part 3: Use of LLMs to Analyze Data (2:00 pm. – 3:30 p.m.)
This session will be hands-on and focus on how LLMs can aid in the analysis of qualitative data.
- Comparative Utility of LLMs: A review of traditional data analysis methods versus the integration of LLMs in data analysis. The section will cover the advantages, limitations, and ethical considerations of both approaches.
- Hands-On Session: Participants will engage in practical exercises on thematic analysis, deductive analysis, and the individual steps within analysis processes using LLMs. They will navigate real-world datasets and use LLMs to perform various tasks related to qualitative data analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify the advantages and limitations of using LLMs in qualitative data analysis compared to traditional methods.
- Acquire hands-on experience in using LLMs for inductive analysis tasks such as preparing data for analysis, coding, grouping/pattern matching, and theming.
- Acquire hands-on experience in using LLMs for deductive analysis tasks such as preparing data for analysis, categorizing, and grouping/pattern matching within categories.
- Develop transparent ethical practices through intentional tracking of steps and processes (audit trail)
Part 4: Review of Guidelines for Qualitative Researchers Using LLMs (3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.)
The final session will cover the ethical and practical considerations when using LLMs in qualitative research.
- Guidelines and Best Practices: A review of existing guidelines and best practices for using LLMs in qualitative research.
- Future Prospects and Limitations: Open discussion on the future applications and potential limitations of LLMs in academic research.
Learning Outcomes:
- Familiarize yourself with guidelines and best practices.
- Discuss future prospects and limitations of using LLMs in qualitative research.
- Develop a personal ethical stance for using LLMs in qualitative research.
(advance registration required)