In this thought-provoking episode of the Epistemic Alchemy Podcast, host Dr. Mohammed Raei welcomes Dr. Philip Adu, a leading expert in research methodology and founder of the Center for Research Methods Consulting, LLC. Together, they explore the ethical and practical dimensions of using AI in academic research, especially within qualitative methodologies.

Dr. Adu shares his early curiosity and evolving relationship with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, illustrating how these tools can streamline tasks such as interview question design, data coding, and theme development. The conversation delves into ethical concerns around privacy, bias, and skill erosion, emphasizing the importance of researcher oversight, transparency, and institutional guidelines.

Listeners will gain practical tips on using AI responsibly, including how to prompt tools for better outcomes, conduct pilot interviews with AI, and incorporate AI ethically into mentorship and literature reviews. Dr. Adu and Dr. Raei also debate the future of AI in academia—will it replace key research functions or simply augment them?

Whether you're a researcher, doctoral student, or just curious about the impact of AI on scholarship, this episode offers nuanced insights and real-world examples to help you navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.

Resources:

Dr Adu's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drphilipadu

Books:

The Theoretical Framework in Phenomenological Research: Development and Application is an introduction to phenomenology: https://www.routledge.com/The-Theoretical-Framework-in-Phenomenological-Research-Development-and-Application/Larsen-Adu/p/book/9780367540524

Dissertation Research Methods: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Up Your Research in the Social Sciences: https://www.routledge.com/Dissertation-Research-Methods-A-Step-by-Step-Guide-to-Writing-Up-Your-Research-in-the-Social-Sciences/Adu-Miles/p/book/9781032213859