AI Use in Research

We should begin by addressing the “elephant in the room” in academia: the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). Our world, as both students and professors, is being transformed by AI. According to Kahn (2023), this technological advancement is expected to bring one of the most positive changes ever seen in the education industry, benefiting both professors and students. Given this possibility, it is necessary to have a thoughtful discussion about its presence and its far-reaching implications for the academic landscape.

In a statement published by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (2023), it was noted that concerns about academic integrity have led many to take a wary approach to the entrance of AI into the “hallowed halls” of higher education. It is important to note that this is not a new phenomenon in education. Educators and students have had to adjust their way of thinking as new forms of technology have presented themselves throughout the years. Today’s classrooms bear little resemblance to those of previous generations, whether it be those of our grandparents, parents, or even the ones you first experienced at the start of your education.  Instead of trying to avoid the topic of AI, I aim to address it head-on. However, I also want to validate the concerns that arise when students and professors alike use AI. Academic integrity must be maintained. The lines can become blurred between “assistance” and “plagiarism,” and it is my intention to help you understand the difference, develop skills to navigate these challenges responsibly, and, more importantly, help you avoid crossing ethical boundaries in your academic work.

Throughout the semester, I will be helping you engage in meaningful research. This will be a step-by-step process. As we cover topics such as developing a research question, reviewing the literature, and constructing a research design, my goal is to demonstrate how AI can assist in the process. When used correctly and ethically, AI can help you organize your ideas, identify gaps in the literature, and aid in developing a strong research question. However, it is important to remember that while AI is a powerful tool in research, it cannot—and should not—replace your ability to evaluate, synthesize, and create original ideas. That task is uniquely yours.

The Shoggoth metaphor is used to describe the hidden complexity of AI models. A popular image depicts a scary, many-eyed creature (Shoggoth) wearing a simple, smiley face mask, representing how AI appears friendly and easy to use, but underneath the mask, it operates in a complex and unpredictable manner. When conducting research, students who rely solely on AI as their primary source of information may encounter several challenges. Click on each eye to see a brief overview of these issues.

It is important to remember that individuals who rely on AI without critical thinking, verification, and engagement in traditional research methods risk producing inaccurate and ethically questionable research. Instead of relying solely on AI, we should treat it as a supplementary tool.