Teaching Research Methods and the Research Proposal in the age of AI: Tips and Challenges

• In Event: 20461 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 2: AI & Teaching

Abstract

The introduction of artificial intelligence tools has fundamentally impacted student writing across the academic undergraduate curriculum. Research Methods, and the writing of an academic research proposal specifically, are core components of Sociology coursework that have historically been challenging for students. As a teacher of undergraduate research methods over the last decade, I have seen these struggles for students firsthand. Arguably, students may be most likely to turn to AI when they feel particularly academically vulnerable, such as in a research methods course. Given these issues, it is imperative for professors to carefully cultivate written assignments so that students continue to develop their own writing style while also critically engaging with emergent technology. This presentation will discuss the techniques I have utilized to both incorporate AI in the research proposal writing process for undergraduate students as well as guide them through its potential pitfalls. I will identify how I scaffold assignments across the semester and incorporate, or choose not to incorporate, AI into specific assignments. I will then discuss the challenges and progress I have made in these areas and leave time for others to share their experiences. AI is here for the forseeable future and the need for students to understand it, while simultaneously maintaining their ability to critically read, comprehend and write about social science research is critical.

Author

• Laura J. Napolitano, Rutgers University-Camden