Queering Futures with Data-driven Speculation: The Design of an Expanded Mixed Methods Research Framework Integrating Quantitative, Qualitative, and Practice-based Modes

Abstract

Queering’ questions, unlearns, disrupts, and transforms approaches, expectations, and realities. Futures are time and change. The approach I have designed to operationalize Queering and futures, or Queering futures, is the Queering Futures Framework (QFF). The Queering Futures Framework (QFF) is a brand-new transdisciplinary research framework intersecting values, positionality, complexity, Queerness themes, and futures praxis. This framework expands traditional mixed methods research conventions by integrating quantitative, qualitative, and practice-based research modes and mindsets.

The Queering Futures Framework (QFF) prototype presented in this dissertation functions as a test case and proof of concept. The prototype quantitative mode measures attitudes towards AI, and a qualitative mode explores impressions of mental time travel, AI, and futures. Within the culminating practice-based mode, signals identified in the quantitative results and qualitative findings are integrated and inform a new practice-based method, called data-driven speculation. I created data-driven speculation method to connect data and imagination. Readers are invited to adapt and iterate.