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Mini-conference: SSH as a one click method

AAU Science and Innovation Hub – Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Ø

SSH

Mini-conference: SSH as a one click method

As digital tools promise to transform qualitative research, the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) face a disturbing - yet intriguing - scenario: the rise of "one-click" methods. Various forms of software and code now offer automated solutions for tasks once considered the exclusive domain of human reflexivity. From topic models performing thematic text analysis to chatbots conducting semi-structured interviews, computer vision models interpreting images, and legal assistants summarizing court cases—automated tools promise quick answers to complex questions, challenging the nuanced, manual and slow work we traditionally value in SSH. In addition, other types of quantitative and computational SSH methods are also increasingly offered as “one-click” methods which can now be used without a thorough understanding of their potential and pitfalls.

AAU Science and Innovation Hub – Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Ø

  • 11.03.2025 10:30 - 16:00
    : 05.03.2025

  • English

  • On location

AAU Science and Innovation Hub – Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Ø

11.03.2025 10:30 - 16:0011.03.2025 10:30 - 16:00
: 05.03.2025

English

On location

SSH

Mini-conference: SSH as a one click method

As digital tools promise to transform qualitative research, the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) face a disturbing - yet intriguing - scenario: the rise of "one-click" methods. Various forms of software and code now offer automated solutions for tasks once considered the exclusive domain of human reflexivity. From topic models performing thematic text analysis to chatbots conducting semi-structured interviews, computer vision models interpreting images, and legal assistants summarizing court cases—automated tools promise quick answers to complex questions, challenging the nuanced, manual and slow work we traditionally value in SSH. In addition, other types of quantitative and computational SSH methods are also increasingly offered as “one-click” methods which can now be used without a thorough understanding of their potential and pitfalls.

AAU Science and Innovation Hub – Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Ø

  • 11.03.2025 10:30 - 16:00
    : 05.03.2025

  • English

  • On location

AAU Science and Innovation Hub – Thomas Manns Vej 25, 9220 Aalborg Ø

11.03.2025 10:30 - 16:0011.03.2025 10:30 - 16:00
: 05.03.2025

English

On location

This mini-conference invites maSSHine members as well as all interested from all SSH disciplines to discuss the impacts, promises, and ethical questions surrounding this development. As AI enters our methodological landscape, we must ask:

  • Should the future of SSH involve co-creating knowledge with AI-driven systems?
  • If so, what becomes the researcher's role in this evolving methodological loop?
  • What role does the researcher play within this methodological loop?
  • Where do automated tools enhance our research, and where do they risk undermining its depth?
  • How should we approach teaching of these tools to the next generation of researchers?

The mini conference has two parts:

Epistemic and critical reflections: This session will contain small 15–20-minute reflections on the practically of working with computational methods. Some will look at historical lessons from previous dreams of quantitative revolutions whereas other will discuss how digitization and compotation changes central aspects of knowledges production.

Hands-On with New Tools: Through ‘tool demonstrations’ we will get hands-on experience with some of the latest AI-powered tools that promise to reshape SSH research today. This practical session will serve as a back-drop for a collective critical assessment of these tools' capabilities, limitations, and broader implications.

 

Program