Key Takeaway

“Respondents say that generative AI saves time and makes them curious about its capabilities […] However, trust in the generated results is low, regardless of how well-versed researchers are in the subject or how often they use these tools.”

Context

Thanks to the rapid pace of AI development, its functions can now be found not only in everyday life but also in previously relatively closed areas of scientific research. As a result, a lively professional debate has emerged over whether the quality of AI-generated results can match that of work produced by established researchers in the field, even though the time-saving tools offered by AI are undoubtedly useful.

Summary

This comprehensive study, authored by leading researchers from four American universities, addresses a gap in the literature by examining how sociologists use generative artificial intelligence and how they perceive its use. To this end, the authors surveyed more than four hundred authors who had published in 50 different sociology journals over the past five years. The survey results show that roughly a third of respondents use AI at least weekly. Surprisingly, however, this is not for data analysis or data collection, but for writing tasks, since researchers turn to these tools primarily because they feel it saves them time. Interestingly, only small differences emerge between researchers with a computing background and those without one in terms of frequency of use. In other words, attitudes toward AI do not depend solely on technical knowledge. However, when it comes to feelings of trust, the results are notably poor regarding the reliability of AI-generated content, regardless of how often a given researcher uses these tools. Nevertheless, the study points out that many researchers are optimistic about the technology’s future and have confidence in its development, although they are divided on the extent to which this development will have a positive impact on the discipline.

Link: Generative AI in Sociological Research: State of the Discipline