Rethinking Qualitative Methodology Through the Lens of AI Literacy

This chapter advances the AI-Literate Qualitative Methodology (AILQM) framework as an integrative model for embedding artificial intelligence within qualitative research while safeguarding epistemological integrity, methodological rigour, and ethical responsibility. It articulates six interrelated literacy dimensions: Cognitive and Data Literacy, Ethical and Equity Literacy, Methodological Literacy, Collaborative Literacy, Trustworthiness Literacy, and Policy and Governance Literacy. Together, these competencies enable researchers to critically interpret AI outputs, document human-AI decision-making, and uphold credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. By reframing AI literacy as a methodological orientation rather than a technical skill, the AILQM framework provides a principled pathway for conducting reflexive, transparent, and human-centred qualitative research in the evolving AI landscape.