AI and the Reconsideration of Field Research: A Perspective from Human Geography

Abstract

The introduction of AI in field research challenges the traditional role of the researcher, who must now navigate between human-led and AI-assisted methodologies. This requires maintaining an interpretive and hands-on approach while leveraging AI's capabilities to enhance research outcomes. For that, human geography highlights the importance of grounding field research in place, emphasizing the need for committed fieldwork and trusting relationships between researchers and participants of the research site. This grounding is essential to prevent distortion of data analysis, to maintain the integrity of field research, and to enhance the significant role of humans in knowledge production.