Clarifying Ethical Dilemmas in Using Artificial Intelligence in Research Writing: A Rapid Review

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Clarifying Ethical Dilemmas in Using Artificial Intelligence in Research Writing: A Rapid Review
Language: English
Authors: Ndubuisi Friday Ugwu (ORCID 0000-0001-5482-9103), Adewumi Segun Igbinlade (ORCID 0000-0003-2196-2965), Raphael Ezamenyi Ochiaka, Ugochi Debora Ezeani, Nnaemeka Chijioke Okorie, Jacob Kehinde Opele (ORCID 0000-0002-5970-6636), Toyin Segun Onayinka (ORCID 0000-0001-9222-5327), Obinna Iroegbu (ORCID 0000-0001-5884-2559), Ogechi Kate Onyekwere, Adijat Bolanle Adams (ORCID 0000-0003-2752-2231), Precious Aigbona (ORCID 0009-0002-5836-7553), Folasade Busayo Ojobola (ORCID 0000-0002-3408-069x)
Source: Higher Learning Research Communications. 2024 14(2):29-47.
Availability: Walden University, LLC. 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Tel: 800-925-3368; Fax: 612-338-5092; e-mail: HLRCeditor@mail.waldenu.edu; Web site: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/hlrc/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Research Papers (Students), Research Reports, Academic Language, Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, Integrity, Writing for Publication, University Presses, Information Policy, Plagiarism, Moral Issues, Cheating, Intellectual Property, Computer Mediated Communication
ISSN: 2157-6254
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the study was to clarify, through the lenses of experts and frontline publishers, ethical dilemmas related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research writing. Method: We conducted a rapid review of expert opinions and publishers' policy statements on ethical considerations in using AI for research writing. We included articles published in journals indexed by academic databases that met the criteria. We also included the policy statements and guidelines of seven reputable publishers. Result: The use of AI in scientific writing is acceptable, contingent on addressing ethical considerations bordering on plagiarism, transparency, and disclosure. While AI should not be listed as an author or coauthor on its own, its use in the development of the work deserves acknowledgment. Authors must substantially rephrase AI-generated content in their own words, properly citing sources to avoid claims of plagiarism. Transparency regarding AI usage and oversight of AI-generated drafts are necessary, as there are risks related to inaccuracy and bias if AI is not supervised by human experts. Conclusion: AI can be deployed to support research writing, provided users carefully abide by ethical standards that uphold academic integrity. Implications: The findings offer valuable guidance for researchers, students, and emerging publishers on how AI's capabilities can be ethically and responsibly leveraged in academic writing. By establishing clear principles, the study equips these stakeholders with the means to incorporate AI judiciously into their knowledge production practices.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1454532
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Objective: The purpose of the study was to clarify, through the lenses of experts and frontline publishers, ethical dilemmas related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research writing. Method: We conducted a rapid review of expert opinions and publishers' policy statements on ethical considerations in using AI for research writing. We included articles published in journals indexed by academic databases that met the criteria. We also included the policy statements and guidelines of seven reputable publishers. Result: The use of AI in scientific writing is acceptable, contingent on addressing ethical considerations bordering on plagiarism, transparency, and disclosure. While AI should not be listed as an author or coauthor on its own, its use in the development of the work deserves acknowledgment. Authors must substantially rephrase AI-generated content in their own words, properly citing sources to avoid claims of plagiarism. Transparency regarding AI usage and oversight of AI-generated drafts are necessary, as there are risks related to inaccuracy and bias if AI is not supervised by human experts. Conclusion: AI can be deployed to support research writing, provided users carefully abide by ethical standards that uphold academic integrity. Implications: The findings offer valuable guidance for researchers, students, and emerging publishers on how AI's capabilities can be ethically and responsibly leveraged in academic writing. By establishing clear principles, the study equips these stakeholders with the means to incorporate AI judiciously into their knowledge production practices.
ISSN:2157-6254