Introduction When Deloitte admitted to using a generative AI model (GPT-4o via Azure OpenAI) in its $440,000 compliance review for the Australian government, the issue went far beyond faulty references. The report, initially containing fabricated legal cases and...
AI in Qualitative Research
From Evidence to Illusion: When Generative AI Undermines Public Accountability
Introduction In October, Deloitte agreed to issue a partial refund to the Australian government after serious flaws were uncovered in a $440,000 report evaluating the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)'s compliance framework. The report,...
Can AI Recognise Meaning or Just Patterns? What Thematic Analysis Teaches Us About AI in Qualitative Research
Used well, AI can play a valuable supporting role, especially during early stages of analysis. It helps manage volume, notice repetition, and create structure across large datasets. Can algorithms read between the lines?When I ran an interview transcript through...
AI is reshaping qualitative research — but is it helping or harming?
In just a few years, generative AI has gone from futuristic novelty to daily research companion. It transcribes interviews, summaries readings, codes data — sometimes before you’ve finished your coffee. But as qualitative researchers, we need to ask: is AI deepening...
