Psychology21 papers
LLMs in qualitative psychology
Emerging applications of large language models in qualitative psychological research methodology as well as the critics.
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Evgeny Smirnov
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Against the Rejection of Large Language Models in Qualitative Research
Smirnov, Evgeny (2026)
- Published
- Jul 5, 2026
- DOI
- 10.31234/osf.io/25ywa_v1
At a GlanceAI
Critical review argues against blanket rejection of large language models in reflexive qualitative research.
SummaryAI
This commentary responds to an open letter in which 419 qualitative researchers rejected generative AI for reflexive qualitative research. It organizes 27 concerns into technical, methodological, ethical-political, epistemological, and ontological domains, arguing that many address outdated tools, misuse, or unsettled philosophical questions rather than inherent limits of LLMs. The paper advocates constructive debate about responsible use instead of categorical rejection, framing LLMs as increasingly unavoidable research tools.
Method SnapshotAI
Critical commentary reviewing and evaluating 27 objections to LLM use in reflexive qualitative research.
BackgroundAI
Qualitative research methods, reflexivity, and basic familiarity with generative AI are needed.
Line-by-line explanation of why many arguments against the use of LLMs in psychology are NOT plausible.
— ES