Navigating the ethical complexities of using generative AI for academic writing

About

The project explores how academic researchers and students use generative AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) for academic writing, publishing, or coursework assignments. Our goal is to better understand the evolving practices, motivations, and experiences of academic writers in the age of AI.

A Leverhulme Trust Research Project Grant funds this project.

The project is run by the University of Warwick, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and Sophia University, Tokyo.

Project team

If you have any questions or would like to connect with the team, do reach out to us:

Professor Ema Ushioda

Applied Linguistics, SELCS, University of Warwick; Principal Investigator

Dr Sal Consoli

Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh; Co-Investigator

Dr Richard Pinner

Department of English Literature, Sophia University, Tokyo; Co-Investigator

Dr Marianna Patrick

Applied Linguistics, SELCS, University of Warwick; Research Fellow

Ms Hikaru Ishiyama, Department of English Literature, Sophia University, Tokyo; Part-time RA

Expression of interest

If you would like to take part in the project, do reach out to us.

Taking part in the study

Are you an academic researcher or student who uses generative AI chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT) to support your academic writing, publishing, or coursework? We would love to hear about your experiences.

Eligibility:

• Be an academic researcher or a university student.
• Self-identify as using AI tools in your academic writing in English.
• Be willing to share your experiences using AI tools in your work.

Participation involves:

• A 40–60-minute one-to-one interview (in-person or online).
• The interview will be audio-recorded and pseudonymised during transcription. Only transcripts of pseudonymised data will be used in the analysis.
• Optional: follow-up session to reflect on our initial findings. This can either be a second 30–40 minute follow-up interview or an email response.

Location and time:

• A time and date convenient for you.
• Online, via MS Teams.
• Depending on your location, it may also be possible to conduct the interview in person.