An introduction to GenAI and Research

Summary

This talk introduces generative AI like ChatGPT, detailing how it works and key issues around its use in research. It provides an overview of concerns like bias and accuracy, and the lack of regulation, while also exploring potential benefits. Guidance is shared on ethical use, including applying good research principles, transparency, and human oversight. Resources help evaluate if and how to appropriately incorporate generative AI into research to enhance creativity and problem-solving. Critical thinking is emphasized to foster responsible use.

Takeaways

• 💭 'Generative AI (GenAI) refers to artificial intelligence that generates content based on rules, prompts, and input data, with ChatGPT being a prominent example of such technology.'
• 📈 'ChatGPT, released by OpenAI in November 2022, is a large language model trained on a vast amount of text to predict the next word and generate human-like language responses.'
• 🛠 'The effectiveness and accuracy of ChatGPT's outputs heavily depend on the quality of the input, highlighting the importance of prompt engineering skills.'
• 🔒 'ChatGPT is not GDPR compliant, raising significant data protection and privacy concerns, especially regarding sensitive or protected information.'
• 🛡️ 'Academic and research integrity issues arise with the use of GenAI tools like ChatGPT, including concerns about cheating, copyright infringement, and cognitive bias.'
• 📰 'Several legal cases have been initiated against OpenAI regarding the use of copyrighted material in training ChatGPT, questioning the fair use doctrine.'
• 📝 'Research ethics and integrity are paramount when using GenAI tools, with guidance suggesting avoidance of GenAI for peer review and authorship roles.'
• 🖥️ 'There is an environmental impact associated with using AI tools like ChatGPT, necessitating consideration of sustainability in their application.'
• 👁️ 'Awareness and literacy in GenAI are crucial for both educators and researchers to navigate the ethical, legal, and practical challenges effectively.'
• 🌐 'Alternative GenAI tools and models, such as Hugging Face's ChatGPT alternatives, offer options that address some of the data protection and ethical concerns associated with ChatGPT.'

Q & A

What does 'Gen' stand for in the context of this talk?

Gen stands for generative AI, which is a type of artificial intelligence capable of generating content based on rules, prompts, and input data.

Who created ChatGPT and when was it released to the public?

ChatGPT was created by OpenAI and released to the public in November 2022.

What distinguishes ChatGPT-4 from its free version?

ChatGPT-4, the paid version, integrates DALL·E for image generation and has real-time access to information, unlike the free version, GPT-3.

Why is it important that ChatGPT does not guarantee accuracy or truth in its responses?

It's important because it emphasizes the need for users to critically assess the information provided by ChatGPT, as it can generate responses based on patterns without ensuring their correctness or factual accuracy.

What major privacy concern is associated with ChatGPT?

A major privacy concern is that ChatGPT is not GDPR compliant, raising issues around data protection and the handling of sensitive or protected information.

How does the UNESCO's Quick Start Guide contribute to understanding the challenges of generative AI?

The UNESCO Quick Start Guide provides an overview of key issues such as academic integrity, lack of regulation, privacy concerns, cognitive bias, and the potential for discrimination, which are important for understanding the broader implications of generative AI in society.

What stance do research funders take on the use of generative AI tools in funding applications?

Research funders recognize the opportunities and benefits of generative AI tools but also highlight the potential risks in areas like rigor, transparency, originality, and bias. They urge researchers to use these tools responsibly and in accordance with legal and ethical standards.

What are some of the ethical guidelines provided by UNESCO for the use of AI in research?

UNESCO's guidelines include principles like proportionality, safety and security, privacy and data protection, multi-stakeholder governance, accountability, transparency, human oversight, sustainability, awareness and literacy, and fairness and non-discrimination.

How does the UK Research Integrity Office suggest researchers use generative AI tools?

The UK Research Integrity Office suggests not using AI for peer review, not granting authorship to AI, applying good research practices, seeking new guidance, and being part of discussions on ethical and responsible use of generative AI.

What alternatives to ChatGPT are mentioned for addressing ethical and data protection concerns?

An alternative mentioned is Hugging Chat, which is built to counter some of the data protection and ethical issues associated with ChatGPT, offering a more privacy-conscious option for those concerned about cognitive bias and data ethics.