Things to consider when responding to the university research ethics form on AI usage: a note

Things to consider when responding to the university research ethics form on AI usage: a note (information from perplexity.ai) [for my MBA students]

My question 1: "In response to the following Research Ethics on AI for my MBA dissertation project work, kindly inform what should be the appropriate usage of AI by me as a dissertation project student with regard to the following university checklist items for me to respond (including the choice of yes or no):

1. I have used artificial intelligence tools to generate an idea for my dissertation assignment (Yes or No);

2. I have used artificial intelligence tools to write my dissertation assignment for me (Yes or No);

3. I have used artificial intelligence tools to brainstorm ideas for my dissertation assignment (Yes or No);

4. I have used artificial intelligence tools to correct my original dissertation assignment: (YES/No).

The reply: "In responding to your university's Research Ethics checklist on appropriate AI usage as an MBA dissertation student, the responses should reflect responsible and transparent use of AI tools aligned with academic integrity.

Here is guidance on each checklist item to inform your choice of Yes or No:

1. Used AI to generate an idea for dissertation?

• If you used AI tools to help form or suggest initial dissertation topics or research questions, answer Yes.

• Otherwise, if your idea was your own without AI input, answer No.

2. Used AI to write the dissertation for you?

• If you had AI write any substantive parts of your dissertation (e.g., text generation as a replacement for your own writing), answer Yes.

• If AI was only used for assistance like language refinement or formatting, answer No.

3. Used AI to brainstorm ideas?

• If AI was engaged to help expand, develop or consider concepts, approaches, or frameworks, answer Yes.

• If brainstorming was done solely by you or your study team without AI, answer No.

4. Used AI to correct your original dissertation?

• If you used AI for editing, proofreading, grammar checks, or improving clarity, answer Yes.

• If no AI tools were used for corrections and all revisions were manual, answer No.

The key is to be honest and transparent about AI involvement, emphasizing your own original work complemented by AI as a tool rather than a substitute for your scholarly effort. This approach adheres to ethics policies related to AI usage in academic research."

My question 2: "In order to be considered as highly appropriate behavior on AI usage, comment on whether the answers should be yes or no on the above 4 checklist items. I would like to learn more about appropriate behavior on AI usage by learning your evaluative comments in this case."

The reply: "To be considered highly appropriate behavior regarding AI usage in your MBA dissertation, the ideal answers to the four checklist items generally lean toward a responsible and transparent use of AI that supports rather than replaces your own academic work. Here are evaluative comments on whether the answers should be yes or no for appropriate AI behavior:

1. Using AI to generate an idea for the dissertation:

• Ideally, No is preferred if you can independently create your dissertation topic and research questions based on your knowledge, interests, and prior learning. This shows originality and critical thinking.

• However, if AI is used just as a supplementary tool for inspiration or exploring possibilities, answering Yes is acceptable but should be disclosed. Using AI solely to outsource idea generation is less appropriate.

2. Using AI to write the dissertation:

• The highly appropriate behavior is No here. The dissertation is your own scholarly work and writing it yourself demonstrates academic integrity and mastery of the subject.

• Having AI write significant portions is generally considered unethical as it undermines the learning process and research authenticity.

3. Using AI to brainstorm ideas:

• Answering Yes can be appropriate if AI aids brainstorming as a collaborative tool to broaden perspectives, provided you critically assess and refine ideas yourself.

• Sole reliance on AI for brainstorming without your own input, however, would be less appropriate. Thus, selective use with your substantive engagement is best practice.

4. Using AI to correct original dissertation:

• Answering Yes is usually appropriate here because using AI for grammar checks, proofreading, and clarity improvements is similar to using other editing tools — it enhances the quality without replacing your intellectual contribution.

• Not using AI for correction (answering No) is also acceptable, though may miss opportunities to improve language.

Summary:

• Best practice is to use AI as an assistant, not as a substitute for your own research, writing, and critical thinking.

• Ideally, answer No to generating ideas and writing, and Yes to brainstorming (with careful use) and correcting for language.

• Transparency about any AI involvement remains critical to maintain trust and academic integrity.

This approach reflects responsible and ethical AI use aligned with university standards and enhances your learning experience."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.