Abstract

There are now multiple proposals for systems based on Large Language Models(LLMs) to conduct automated qualitative interviews. This approach scales up qualitative interview techniques that have traditionally been constrained by the high costs of data collection. However, most of the current solutions rely on proprietary LLMs, which compromise reproducibility and data security. They also rely on LLMs for all interview tasks, which limits standardisation of question wording as well as control over question order. To address these issues, we introduce the AInterviewer platform, based on a multi-agent framework that combines controlled question administration of survey software with the flexibility of LLMs. AInterviewer can run with locally hosted models to ensure security and transparency. Our platform provides a web-based GUI supporting each phase of data collection: from interview guide design and pilot testing to interview distribution and data collection monitoring.