AI in Research: Leaning on Community Expertise
As AI has been evolving over the last few years its usage in the workplace has been increasing. From helping out with scheduling, to participating in brainstorming, the uses are many. We try to keep up with changes in the AI landscape - shout out to Birmingham AI - and how it continues to impact the workplace. The field of research is no different. As we work to understand AI in human-centered and contextual research, we often turn to our friends at EPIC and Dscout to help show us the way.
EPIC is a member organization that brings together an array of individuals practicing ethnography every year for an international conference. Last year, Quire’s CEO and Founder Autumn Sanders moderated a session titled “The Technical and Vernacular” where presenters shared their case studies, many of which focused on how AI and humans are interacting. One paper, “Quit Playing Language Games with My Heart; or, Conversational AI and Knowledge Sharing” by Larry McGrath, delved into how large language models (LLMs) are being used in language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel. McGrath discusses how learning languages through conversations generated by AI creates a more meaningful and comprehensive learning experience. He also touches on how our interactions with AI create meaning outside of identifying AI consciousness, and urges scholars “to trace the behaviors and patterns that shape interactions between humans and AI platforms” in order to understand how we can build better relationships and communication skills outside of AI.
The theme for EPIC2025, happening this month in Helsinki, is Intelligences. Through papers, case studies, and PechaKuchas, presenters will explore how “models of intelligence are driving – but also constraining – our capacities for innovation and wellbeing.” We look forward to the research and discussion that comes out of the conference this month as we attend remotely. If your work involves ethnography in any capacity we highly recommend joining EPIC for their valuable insight on the future of ethnographic research against a landscape suffused with AI and so many other pressing topics.
While EPIC guides us through new innovative ideas in the world of ethnography, Dscout helps us navigate using AI in research on a daily level. Dscout is a premier UX research platform that also provides articles, guides, and webinars among other resources for researchers through People Nerds. Dscout has released several articles over the past year exploring how some companies are leveraging AI, as well as how researchers can thoughtfully and critically incorporate AI into our work.
Dscout’s article “How Headspace Created a Safe Reflection Experience Using GenAI” by Priyanka Marawar gives us a behind the scenes look into Ebb, the company's brand new chat bot that allows users to have a judgment free zone and a place to reflect. She points out how the founders of Headspace wanted to continue to create a safe space while still expanding their reach. Knowing this was a delicate topic, they took great care in integrating GenAI into their app. Marawar urges readers to understand their stakeholders' attitudes towards AI, shape the process to gain widespread support, and include experiences of underrepresented communities from the start in order to create an environment for AI to thrive and create change.
Dscout’s article “How to Build Critical Thinking Skills for AI-Driven Research” by Ilana Krause has given us a quick how-to guide when considering AI’s uses in research. Keeping the human insights at the forefront is key to using AI in its best form. Krause wants us to consider the integration of AI in our lives, especially because of the “significant correlation between frequent AI tool usage and a decline in critical thinking abilities.” In order to combat this, Krause says we should continuously reflect on our thought process as we use AI, maintain a deep understanding of what AI is most useful for in our workspace, and understand AI’s weaknesses. This article gives great direction on when and how to use AI in research while keeping up with our critical thinking skills.
While we can recognize AI is a growing presence in work and our lives, it’s important to thoughtfully and critically incorporate AI. By looking to our peers and thought leaders, we stay up to date on how AI is being used in the field of research. Through communities like these, we can improve our understanding and continue to produce research that’s still human, still relevant, and still essential.
