Summer School in Social Sciences Methods Plenary Session: How generative AI is transforming scientific practice in quantitative research?

Join us for an insightful Summer School in Social Sciences Methods plenary session (open online to the public) on how generative AI is fundamentally changing the landscape of quantitative research practices. We'll hear from Marco Steenbergen from the University of Zurich, who will lead the discussion on "How generative AI is transforming scientific practice in quantitative research?". Following his introduction, Michael Gibbert from USI and Thomas Hills from the University of Warwick will offer their short comments, setting the stage for a lively discussion with participants in the room.

Abstract

AI is already changing the way quantitative researchers work. At the most banal level, many now leave programming to AI or, at least, use AI for debugging code. But below the surface, much more is happening. We see changes in all stages of quantitative research, including the way in which we collect data, analyze those data, and in the very epistemology of social science (inductive versus deductive science). In this talk, I will provide examples of those changes: (1) AI and experimental stimuli; (2) AI and open-ended survey questions; (3) AI and coding text and images; (4) AI and statistical analysis; and (5) AI and inductive research. I will discuss the opportunities and pitfalls of integrating AI in our workflow. Research ethics and philosophy of science will play an important role in this discussion.

This entire session will last approximately 1 hour and will be held in a hybrid mode - on Campus EST in Aula Polivalente (ground floor, block A, Campus EST) for our Summer School participants, and online, open to USI and SUPSI students and faculty members as well as the general public. Afterwards, we invite the Summer School participants to continue the conversations during refreshments and networking in the courtyard.

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Meeting ID: 339 534 636 277 0

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