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Abstract presented at the II Ibero-American Symposium and IV National Symposium on Qualitative Epistemology and Theory of Subjectivity
Date: October 2023
Author: Sergio Fernandes Senna Pires
Introduction
We propose a debate on the possibility of using digital cybernetic systems to carry out part of the qualitative research in the study of subjectivity. Is it possible for numerous subjects to express themselves, and these manifestations can be categorized and considered individually? Or is this another instrumental ritual, or a strategy of the Epistemology of Result (GONZALEZ REY, 2005)?
Cybernetics and the use of qualitative research
Cybernetics is the field that studies the control and communication in complex systems (CHUN, 2016). The interconnection of these components in a digital network, controlled by artificial intelligence, allows their use for the limited simulation of intelligent human behavior, including scientific research. Despite the fact that this premise seems overly ambitious (PIRES,2023), its in-depth questioning is beyond the scope of this work. However, it is possible to highlight that digital ethnography is an alternative that combines traditional strategies with the study of social and cultural practices through digital environments (ROY; HAMID, 2022).
How is digital ethnography used?
It is possible to use techniques such as participant observation and online interviews, which aim to obtain an in-depth understanding of the subjects’ practices, opinions and perceptions. Personal ideas are exposed, and successive self-interpretations are requested, preserving the qualitative and individual character of the research. This approach represents the possibility of working individually, capturing what is unique or different from millions of people. After further processing, broad exploration of complex problems is possible, capturing the diversity of points of view and helping to identify adaptive solutions, which can offer certain advances. Studies suggest the contributions of adopting these new ethnographic strategies (THOMPSON, 2021).
What are the benefits of digital ethnography in qualitative research?
In summary, the expected benefits are: (1) in-depth understanding of individual perspectives, even increasing the number of subjects; (2) exploration of complex and diverse social contexts in populations and territories; (3) encouraging individual engagement in interactions with digital cyber systems; and (4) dynamic adaptation of interventions to social issues, based on a greater diversity of subjects and perspectives. These combined benefits allow us to develop broader strategies for understanding social and individual issues. The complexity and dynamism of the problems faced by society require the incessant search for innovative solutions that can be seen from the convergence between the development of digital cybernetic systems, qualitative research and the study of subjectivity.
(PDF) The use of digital cybernetic systems is compatible with qualitative research on subjectivity.
References
GONZÁLEZ REY, Fernando Luis. Pesquisa qualitativa e subjetividade: osprocessos de construção da informação. São Paulo: Pioneira Thomson Learning, 2005.
PIRES, Sergio Fernandes Senna. Inteligência artificial e emoções: quão próximas estão as decisões cibernéticas das humanas? In: FILHO, Adailton AzevêdoAraújo (org.). A sociedade do conhecimento e suas tecnologias: estudos em Ciências Exatas e Engenharias. São Paulo: Dialética, 2023. p. 37-46. v.10.
ROY, Parimal Kumar et al. Digital Ethnography: What We Have Done and WhatWe Need to Do in the New Normal. In: CHOWDHURY, Jahid Siraz; WAHAB, HarisAbd; SAAD, Rashid Mohd; ROY, Parimal Kumar; WRONKA, Joseph (eds.). Practices, Challenges, and Prospects of Digital Ethnography as a Multidisciplinary Method. IGI Global, 2022. p. 278-287.
THOMPSON, Alex et al. Ethical considerations and challenges for using digital ethnography to research vulnerable populations. Journal of Business Research, v. 124, p. 676-683, 2021.
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