Examining Qualitative Research in the <scp>AI</scp> Landscape

ABSTRACT Participants of this alternative event will engage in discussion about the practice of qualitative research with attention to exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and qualitative methodologies. The session will open with a series of lightning talks whereby the presenters will highlight select aspects of the topic, using their own innovative qualitative research approaches and then reflecting on whether AI has the potential to shape, improve, or create new methodological and theoretical challenges for LIS researchers and educators. By critically examining various qualitative approaches across the four presentations, researchers can better address the ethical considerations and societal impacts of AI to ensure that insights are contextually rich and ethically sound. Subsequently, the presenters will engage the audience in a series of interactive activities that will help attendees to learn specific research techniques that can later be applied in their own work.