# rethinking human-AI collaboration in interpretive research

**Event**: New Scholars · Generative AI Series
**Date**: January 2026
**Speakers**: Kevin Corley, Xule Lin
**Video**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPoVMFEh6TM
**Slides**: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_WU-RIoc/9Orko4uJAbF3N98WYRrdaw/view?embed
**Keywords**: human-AI collaboration, interpretive research, qualitative research, epistemology, grounded theory, epistemic responsibility, AI in qualitative research, meaning-making, New Scholars


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What happens to meaning-making when AI enters interpretive research?

We introduce three celestial metaphors for human-AI collaboration: **Sun-Mercury** (AI as tool, full human control), **Earth-Moon** (AI as ally, bi-directional but asymmetric influence), and **Mizar-Alcor** (AI as partner, <span class="accident">shared epistemic center</span>). Each represents a different configuration of epistemic responsibility.

We argue against both *abdication* (uncritically accepting AI outputs) and *abnegation* (refusing to engage). The middle ground requires being a deliberate integrator—knowing your level, being mindful of use, and taking responsibility for the insights produced.

Part of the [New Scholars](https://www.youtube.com/@NewScholars) [Generative AI Series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbJ0geV0NuEjz4-eIr5EImLRafrGoltK0).