Large Language Model for Qualitative Research -- A Systematic Mapping Study

TL;DR

This systematic mapping study explores how Large Language Models are applied in qualitative research, highlighting their potential to automate analysis while addressing current challenges and future opportunities.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of LLM applications in qualitative research, identifying research gaps and suggesting directions for future development.

Findings

LLMs are used across diverse fields for qualitative analysis

Challenges include prompt engineering and model inaccuracies

Opportunities involve integrating human expertise and improving robustness

Abstract

The exponential growth of text-based data in domains such as healthcare, education, and social sciences has outpaced the capacity of traditional qualitative analysis methods, which are time-intensive and prone to subjectivity. Large Language Models (LLMs), powered by advanced generative AI, have emerged as transformative tools capable of automating and enhancing qualitative analysis. This study systematically maps the literature on the use of LLMs for qualitative research, exploring their application contexts, configurations, methodologies, and evaluation metrics. Findings reveal that LLMs are utilized across diverse fields, demonstrating the potential to automate processes traditionally requiring extensive human input. However, challenges such as reliance on prompt engineering, occasional inaccuracies, and contextual limitations remain significant barriers. This research highlights opportunities for integrating LLMs with human expertise, improving model robustness, and refining evaluation methodologies. By synthesizing trends and identifying research gaps, this study aims to guide future innovations in the application of LLMs for qualitative analysis.