Exploring the Ethical Implications of AI Integration in Qualitative Research Software

The integration of AI into qualitative data analysis software (QDAS) like NVivo, MAXQDA, ATLAS.ti, and CoLoop has transformed qualitative research methodologies by automating coding, thematic analysis, and text summarization. However, it raises ethical concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and transparency. Guided by the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework, this study analyzes privacy policies, AI functionalities, and ethical guidelines to assess these risks. Findings highlight three key concerns: (1) data privacy risks, (2) algorithmic bias and transparency issues, and (3) the potential erosion of human expertise in qualitative research. While AI tools optimize workflows, they risk oversimplifying complex data and limiting researcher interpretative control. This study calls for stronger ethical guidelines, greater transparency, and researcher oversight to ensure responsible AI use in qualitative research.