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AI Methods: From Probing to Prompting

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Description

The winter school AI Methods: From Probing to Prompting (University of Siegen, 2025) focuses on emerging methodological approaches for studying and working with generative AI systems in research contexts. It frames AI not simply as a tool, but as an object of inquiry and a methodological partner, exploring how researchers can both interrogate and operationalise models such as large language models and generative image systems.

The programme combines conceptual discussions with hands-on workshops that move from “probing” (critically examining biases, outputs, and platform logics) to “prompting” (designing structured interactions with AI systems for analytical purposes). Participants engage with techniques such as prompt design, comparative and ambiguous prompting, and the use of AI for tasks like classification, extraction, and visual analysis across datasets.

A central emphasis of the winter school is methodological reflexivity. Rather than treating AI outputs as stable or authoritative, participants are encouraged to account for non-determinism, bias, and partial failure, and to integrate validation and critical interpretation into their workflows. Overall, the winter school positions generative AI as part of an evolving digital methods toolkit, requiring both technical experimentation and critical awareness in its application to research.
Period4 Feb 20257 Feb 2025
Event typeOther
LocationSiegenShow on map