Introduction
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most recent technologies that has expanded the boundaries of human knowledge. A literature review is central to understanding the views of other scholars on a particular topic. While research can be complex due to the vast amount of knowledge available, recent AI tools have simplified the situation. The technology has positively influenced the review of existing literature through text analysis and interpretation, translation, and language support. Although literature reviews on complex topics can be taxing, using AI tools can benefit researchers and students.
Benefits and Dangers Presented by AI in Research
AI as a Tool to Augment Human Thinking
The human mind can be limited to problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. AI is one of the most beneficial technologies augmenting human thinking (Chan & Tsi, 2023). The technology involves tools and other software that leverage computers and machines to mimic the human mind’s capabilities. Unlike humans, AI is not subject to physical and psychological problems that encumber human decision-making capacity (Subaveerapandiyan et al., 2023). AI tools have gained broad application in areas such as advanced engineering, architecture, and medical research, among other fields.
Challenges in Academic Research and Literature Reviews
Academic research is primarily about studying problems and situations since it provides solutions and recommendations for them. A literature review is one of the most crucial but highly engaging stages in typical academic research (Kraus et al., 2022). Given the vast amount of information available on a given topic, a researcher may find it confusing.
AI Applications in Analyzing Large Volumes of Text
However, the application of AI tools in such scenarios can be beneficial to the researcher. AI tools, which are designed to naturally process languages, help researchers to analyse large volumes of text more efficiently. Scholars feed the AI software with large text volumes to draw meaningful insights, identify patterns, and detect themes within literary works (Chhillar & Aguilera, 2022).
Natural Language Processing Tools for Research
SAS Visual Text Analytics is an example of a natural language processing tool that can help a researcher interpret large volumes of unstructured texts (Subaveerapandiyan et al., 2023). The tool helps scholars detect trends and significant themes in their literature. Therefore, researchers and students gain deeper insights into the literary works under review, developing new and meaningful interpretations.
Overcoming Language Barriers with AI Translation
Existing literature on a given topic can be written in different languages, which a researcher may be unable to understand and comprehend. For instance, it may be difficult for a student who wants to understand a topic whose majority of texts are written in foreign languages. AI-powered machine translation systems and software allow readers to access literature from different cultures and languages. Tools such as Reverso Translation can translate texts into hundreds of languages, making it easy for readers to convert literature to their language (Chhillar & Aguilera, 2022). The use of AI systems helps researchers overcome language barriers through instant translations and assists in cross-cultural literary studies.
Risks to Academic Integrity from AI Technology
While AI technology has promoted a more profound and more insightful literature review process, it can threaten academic integrity. For instance, ChatGPT is a technology many students have exploited to simplify their assignments. According to Welding (2023), many college students use ChatGPT to cheat in exams and other research assignments.
Balancing AI Use and Ethical Academic Practices
Although using ChatGPT and other AI tools can be detrimental, measures to curb the situation are controversial (Subaveerapandiyan et al., 2023). AI systems can help students and researchers in their literature review. Still, misuse of the technology leads to academic integrity issues.
Conclusion
A literature review can be complex and taxing if an individual wants to gain deeper insights into a given topic. The advent of AI systems has enabled researchers and students to review large volumes of texts. The systems use advanced algorithms to analyze, interpret, and translate texts into different languages.
The use of AI makes it easy for one to conduct insightful and credible research. However, misuse of tools such as ChatGPT promotes academic indiscipline among student researchers. Academic and other research institutions must adopt measures that promote AI use for beneficial purposes and promote integrity among their students.
References
Chan, C. K. Y., & Tsi, L. H. Y. (2023). The AI revolution in education: Will AI replace or assist teachers in higher education? ArXiv. Web.
Chhillar, D., & Aguilera, R. V. (2022). An eye for artificial intelligence: Insights into the governance of artificial intelligence and vision for future research. Business & Society, 61(5). Web.
Kraus, S., Breier, M., Lim, W. M., Dabić, M., Kumar, S., Kanbach, D., Mukherjee, D., Corvello, V., Piñeiro-Chousa, J., Liguori, E., Marqués, D. P., Schiavone, F., Ferraris, A., Fernandes, C., & Ferreira, J. J. (2022). Literature reviews as independent studies: Guidelines for academic practice. Review of Managerial Science, 16. Web.
Subaveerapandiyan, A., Vinoth, A., & Tiwary, N. (2023). Netizens, academicians, and information professionals’ opinions about AI with special reference to ChatGPT. Library Philosophy and Practice (E-Journal), 1–16. Web.
Welding, L. (2023). Half of college students say using AI is cheating. Bestcolleges. Web.