Qualitative Coding Analysis through Open-Source Large Language Models: A User Study and Design Recommendations

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Ngo, Tung T., Van, Dai Nguyen, Nguyen, Anh-Minh, Do, Phuong-Anh, Nguyen-Quoc, Anh
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2026
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author Ngo, Tung T.
Van, Dai Nguyen
Nguyen, Anh-Minh
Do, Phuong-Anh
Nguyen-Quoc, Anh
author_facet Ngo, Tung T.
Van, Dai Nguyen
Nguyen, Anh-Minh
Do, Phuong-Anh
Nguyen-Quoc, Anh
contents Qualitative data analysis is labor-intensive, yet the privacy risks associated with commercial Large Language Models (LLMs) often preclude their use in sensitive research. To address this, we introduce ChatQDA, an on-device framework powered by open-source LLMs designed for privacy-preserving open coding. Our mixed-methods user study reveals that while participants rated the system highly for usability and perceived efficiency, they exhibited "conditional trust", valuing the tool for surface-level extraction while questioning its interpretive nuance and consistency. Furthermore, despite the technical security of local deployment, participants reported epistemic uncertainty regarding data protection, suggesting that invisible security measures are insufficient to foster trust. We conclude with design recommendations for local-first analysis tools that prioritize verifiable privacy and methodological rigor.
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id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2602_18352
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Qualitative Coding Analysis through Open-Source Large Language Models: A User Study and Design Recommendations
Ngo, Tung T.
Van, Dai Nguyen
Nguyen, Anh-Minh
Do, Phuong-Anh
Nguyen-Quoc, Anh
Human-Computer Interaction
Cryptography and Security
Software Engineering
Qualitative data analysis is labor-intensive, yet the privacy risks associated with commercial Large Language Models (LLMs) often preclude their use in sensitive research. To address this, we introduce ChatQDA, an on-device framework powered by open-source LLMs designed for privacy-preserving open coding. Our mixed-methods user study reveals that while participants rated the system highly for usability and perceived efficiency, they exhibited "conditional trust", valuing the tool for surface-level extraction while questioning its interpretive nuance and consistency. Furthermore, despite the technical security of local deployment, participants reported epistemic uncertainty regarding data protection, suggesting that invisible security measures are insufficient to foster trust. We conclude with design recommendations for local-first analysis tools that prioritize verifiable privacy and methodological rigor.
title Qualitative Coding Analysis through Open-Source Large Language Models: A User Study and Design Recommendations
topic Human-Computer Interaction
Cryptography and Security
Software Engineering
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.18352