As Generative AI (GenAI) tools are becoming more common in the workplace, they are also being integrated into data work. We are increasingly hearing about GenAI being used to review and interpret qualitative data, including open-ended survey responses and interview and focus group transcripts. But what capabilities does GenAI have to do this work thoughtfully, ethically, and consistently? In this session, we will explore the ways where GenAI can be helpful and where it falls short when coding and identifying themes in data. Jon Waterhouse, the Project Manager of Evaluation and Technology at Yale’s Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, will share preliminary findings from his work analyzing student survey responses. Participants will have space to discuss the pros and cons of using AI in qualitative data analysis, consider ethical questions that can help us make decisions for using these tools, and ask questions about the research and other participants’ use of GenAI tools.
About this group:
We are a group of data users in Connecticut who are supporting one another as we work toward more equitable data practices. We focus on racial equity explicitly but not exclusively.
Some of the topics we talk about include:
How can we make sure we don't make certain groups invisible through how we disaggregate our data?
How can we learn to focus our attention on the strengths, rather than the deficits, of groups we are seeking to serve or support?
How can we learn from the people who we hope will benefit from our products or services about what their data means to them?
How can we help the institutions that we are part of to be trustworthy so that people will trust us with their information/data?
You can read more about our past events here.
Please feel free to check out the group. And if it is helpful, please share it!