AI-Enabled Interview Synthesis and Analysis

Organizations increasingly expect students to be prepared for an artificial intelligence (AI)–enabled workplace. To address this, we describe a structured approach for students to use AI to enhance and elevate data synthesis and analysis of qualitative interviews in any course. The exercise has four steps: (a) co-develop interview questions; (b) conduct interviews using audio recording and AI to transcribe; (c) leverage AI to synthesize the large quantity of interview material; and (d) critically analyze and discuss the synthesized material for improved performance. AI synthesis and analysis can be implemented using a scaffolded approach across multiple class sessions or in one class. We provide AI prompts and sample results as well as variations for implementation. The exercise is followed by a debrief with questions provided. Preparing for the future workplace requires students to develop AI skills, particularly data synthesis and analysis.