Ask AI: Predictive Mode

Researchers looking to generate predictions about participant sentiment, behaviour, or trends based on existing qualitative data can utilize Recollective’s Ask AI: Predictive Mode. 

Predictive Mode expands Ask AI by allowing users to ask forward-looking or hypothetical questions and receive AI-generated responses derived from patterns found in the collected data. This helps researchers anticipate potential trends, simulate participant thinking, and test hypotheses, all within the same intuitive chat interface. 

Using Ask AI: Predictive Mode

Predictive Mode is available to researchers from the site Dashboard, or within a particular study space. Analysts and Moderators will see a purple tab on the right-hand side of the page labelled Ask AI, and once engaged, will see two options within the Ask AI panel:

• Standard Mode: Allows Admins to ask open-ended questions within their study data and receive summarized, data-backed insights with supporting verbatims.
• Predictive Mode: Allows Admins to pose forward-thinking questions to identify patterns in their data and generate AI-driven projections and hypotheses. 

By default, Ask AI opens in Standard Mode, however, users can switch between Standard and Predictive Mode at any time in the chat to explore an alternative line of reasoning.

When Predictive Mode is active, Admins can ask forward-looking or hypothetical questions (e.g., “How might consumer priorities shift if prices continue to rise?”). Once submitted, a brain icon appears next to each Predictive question in the chat to clearly distinguish it from Standard Mode. The AI then examines trends, sentiment, and behavioural patterns within the collected data to generate projections that extend beyond direct participant statements.

All predictions are anchored in real data, and supporting verbatims, paired with a relevance score that indicates how strongly it contributed to the generated insight, are displayed alongside the projection. 

How to Ask Good Predictive Questions

When engaging Predictive Mode, there a few suggested guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Focus on Future Scenarios: Ask about what might happen next, not what already happened.
   • Example: “How are pet owners likely to change their spending if eco-friendly options become more affordable?”
2. Use “What if” / “How might”: Encourage data-informed projections.
   • Example: “How might Gen Z consumers respond if this product launched in a limited edition?”
3. Reference Specific Segments: Ground questions in your data using filters or @ mentions.
   • Example: “How are @Early Adopters likely to influence hesitant users after the first trial phase?”
4. Keep It Clear & Actionable: Limit to one theme or behaviour per question.
   • Example: “What future challenges might parents face in maintaining healthy pet diets?”

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions surrounding Recollective AI data security, please refer to Recollective AI: Privacy & Data Security FAQ. 

• Can I use Predictive Mode in combination with Standard or MultiProject Modes?
  Yes! Researchers can easily switch between Standard and Predictive mode at any time throughout their chat. Predictive and Standard Modes can also be utilized in combination with MultiProject Mode to compare or combine datasets across studies on your site.  

• Will I be able to hone in on specific segments or groups of participants when asking predictive questions?
  Yes. Predictions always respect active filters, segments, and study scopes, allowing researchers to drill down into trends for specific audiences or data sets. 

For a detailed overview of Ask AI FAQs, see our article: Introduction to Ask AI.