The ethics of generative AI in social science research: A qualitative approach for institutionally grounded AI research ethics

IF 10.1 1区 社会学 Q1 SOCIAL ISSUES
June Jeon , Lanu Kim , Jaehyuk Park
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Despite growing attention to the ethics of Generative AI, there has been little discussion about how research ethics should be updated for social science research practice. This paper fills this gap at the intersection of AI ethics and social science research ethics. Based on 17 semi-structured interviews, we present three narratives about generative AI and research ethics: 1) the equalizer narrative, 2) the meritocracy narrative, and 3) the community narrative. We argue that the ethics of AI-assisted social-scientific research cannot be reduced to universal checklists, and institutionally grounded research ethics principles are necessary. In all of the narratives, the technical functions of Generative AI were merely necessary conditions of unethical practices, while ethical dilemmas started to arise when such functions were situated in the institutional arrangements of academia. Our findings suggest that the ethics of AI-assisted research should encompass not only specific ethical rules concerning AI functionalities but also incorporate community engagement, educational imperatives, institutional governance, and the societal impact of such technologies to organize “ethics-in-practice.” This will require democratic deliberations to address the complex, emergent interactions between AI systems and societal structures.
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来源期刊
CiteScore
17.90
自引率
14.10%
发文量
316
审稿时长
60 days
期刊介绍: Technology in Society is a global journal dedicated to fostering discourse at the crossroads of technological change and the social, economic, business, and philosophical transformation of our world. The journal aims to provide scholarly contributions that empower decision-makers to thoughtfully and intentionally navigate the decisions shaping this dynamic landscape. A common thread across these fields is the role of technology in society, influencing economic, political, and cultural dynamics. Scholarly work in Technology in Society delves into the social forces shaping technological decisions and the societal choices regarding technology use. This encompasses scholarly and theoretical approaches (history and philosophy of science and technology, technology forecasting, economic growth, and policy, ethics), applied approaches (business innovation, technology management, legal and engineering), and developmental perspectives (technology transfer, technology assessment, and economic development). Detailed information about the journal's aims and scope on specific topics can be found in Technology in Society Briefings, accessible via our Special Issues and Article Collections.
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