In my research on students’ perceptions of AI tools in linguistics studies, a qualitative approach can provide deeper insights that quantitative data alone cannot capture. ...
In my research on students’ perceptions of AI tools in linguistics studies, a qualitative approach can provide deeper insights that quantitative data alone cannot capture. While quantitative methods help identify general patterns (e.g., levels of satisfaction or perceived impact), qualitative research allows me to understand why students feel that way and how they actually use AI tools in their learning. Methods such as semi-structured interviews and focus groups would be particularly useful. For example, interviews can explore students’ personal experiences, challenges, and attitudes toward AI, while focus groups can reveal shared perspectives and stimulate discussion about the benefits and limitations of these tools. I also see strong potential for a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data can provide an overall picture of trends, while qualitative data can explain and enrich those findings. For instance, if survey results show high satisfaction, interviews can help uncover specific reasons behind this perception. Overall, combining both approaches would give a more comprehensive understanding of how AI tools influence students’ learning experiences.