Accelerating humanities research with QInsights

Prof. Dr. Anja Ballis is the Chair of German Language Education at LMU Munich and conducts research in Language Education and Comparative Education. Her research group often faces the “volume crisis,” working with vast amounts of non-linear text and audio data. The traditional Grounded Theory approach requires analysts to read and code the material iteratively. Such an exhausting process can make researchers feel that they have lost control of the data due to its sheer quantity. Furthermore, valuable insights from past projects can remain hidden because re-analysing old data for new insights is too labour-intensive.

“I realized that some of my PhD students lose control. It’s too much text, and manual coding becomes exhausting.”

In her department, researchers use QInsights as an intelligent research partner, shifting the work from manual labour towards “question-generating didactics.” Unlike tools that require extensive preprocessing, QInsights can ingest raw audio files directly, eliminating the need for prior transcription while allowing the team to re-analyse historical data through new lenses and in relation to new technological developments.

“QInsights works directly with the audio, which is amazing for the students. It allows us to re-analyze data we already collected to open up new discussions instantly.”

QInsights has improved research efficiency through a different way of working with qualitative material. It allows researchers to uncover new scientific value in “dormant” data without first seeking funding for a new round of data collection. Beyond speed, it has transformed an overwhelming process into a motivating one for new scholars.

“We are living in fast times and we have to write papers pretty fast. QInsights helps me catch up with the data. For people starting with qualitative analysis, it is motivating because you get a first view of the information, which helps you to deepen and continue with the research.”