The online survey in qualitative research: can AI act as a probing tool?

Abstract

Surveys are commonly associated with quantitative methods, yet there is growing recognition of their potential to yield qualitative insights into complex social phenomena. However, the effectiveness of open-ended survey questions is often limited by issues such as respondent fatigue and low-quality responses. To address these limitations, researchers are increasingly exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support dynamic survey design, probing questions, and participant engagement. This article explores the role of qualitative surveys in social science research, by considering their alignment with qualitative paradigms. The content assesses how AI-powered features, such as machine learning and chatbot-driven interfaces, can enhance data collection through adaptive questioning. The article also discusses key challenges related to data quality, participant inclusivity, and ethical considerations. Particular attention is given to the concept of "felt anonymity" in online surveys, which can encourage candid disclosures on sensitive topics and broaden participation across diverse populations. When designed with ethical and methodological care, qualitative surveys can thus serve as powerful tools for accessing underrepresented perspectives. By integrating AI into qualitative survey design, researchers can enhance both the richness and reach of their data. This article argues that AI-powered qualitative surveys, especially those capable of dynamic probing, offer a promising hybrid approach, bridging the scalability of surveys with the responsiveness of interviews, and calls for further empirical study of their ethical and epistemological implications.