Navigating academic integrity in the Era of generative AI: a systematic literature review

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive overview of existing research on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) within academic contexts. It aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving role of GenAI in higher education institutions by identifying the dominant themes and emphasising the recommendations proposed by researchers. To achieve this purpose, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, followed by an inductive thematic analysis to synthesise and interpret the findings. A convergent and divergent synthesis was subsequently undertaken to identify areas of agreement and debate across the reviewed literature. Based on 274 codes, six main themes were identified, including the potential benefits of GenAI, potential disadvantages of GenAI, GenAI and language, AI text detectors, policies and governance, and recommendations for responsible GenAI adoption. Grounded in the main recommendations identified across the literature, the study proposes an Academic GenAI Adaptation Framework, organised into two core dimensions: GenAI Governance and Infrastructure, and GenAI Education and Literacy. The framework provides higher education institutions with a practical roadmap for the strategic, ethical, and responsible integration of GenAI while safeguarding academic integrity.

Graphical abstract