AI for Qualitative Research
Use AI to code, theme, and speed up your analysis — without sacrificing rigor.
11 articles · Browse all topics in the Learning Center
AI in Qualitative Data Analysis
This article explores the role of AI within qualitative research, considering the current and future opportunities of using AI in qualitative data analysis.
How to Use AI for Thematic Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide
This step-by-step guide walks through each phase of Braun and Clarke's six-step approach, showing exactly how AI supports thematic analysis and where you need to stay in the driver's seat.
7 Proven Ways to Use AI in Qualitative Research
Explore how Delve’s AI tools streamline coding and analysis in qualitative research—saving time while keeping humans at the center.
Can You Use ChatGPT for Thematic Analysis?
This article looks at the limitations with the “dump and done” approach of using AI in qualitative analysis, then highlights a few ways ChatGPT and Delve’s AI-assistant still save you time for thematic analysis.
Is AI Analyzing, or Just Chatting? A Review of Nguyen and Welch
A 2026 paper argues generative AI is unsuited to qualitative data analysis. We agree on the stakes, but the bigger risk isn't hallucination.
Don't Assume AI Follows Your Codebook
A 2025 study built tests for the ways AI can fail to follow a codebook in deductive coding. Here are five of them, and what Delve makes of it.
Your Codebook Is Already a Prompt
A 2023 study on AI deductive coding had GPT-3 apply a codebook using two prompts. The one laid out like a codebook did better. Here is what it found.
AI Prompts for Qualitative Research: How to Get More from Delve's AI Features
Learn how to write AI prompts for qualitative research in Delve. Practical prompts for brainstorming codes, summarizing, and refining your analysis.
How to Get More Accurate Results from AI in Qualitative Research
This guide shares how to get more accurate results from AI in qualitative research.
How to Build and Apply a Thematic Analysis Codebook Using AI
This guide shows how AI can help build your thematic analysis codebook from the first code to the final theme. Learn when, where, and why to trust AI tools versus your own human judgement.
AI Features in QDA Software (2026): NVivo, Delve, MAXQDA, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose, Quirkos & Taguette Compared
This article compares AI features that are now part of many qualitative data analysis (QDA) software platforms. We tested the top AI-assisted QDA platforms to see how they stack up based on what matters most researchers.
Ready to analyze your own data?
Delve is qualitative data analysis software with a 14-day free trial — no credit card required.
Start Your 14 Day Free Trial