Session Report
Apekshya Basnet
After the resounding success of its inaugural cohort, the Impact and Policy Research Institute launched the second instalment of the “Public Policy Qualitative Participatory Action Research Fieldwork Fellowship – Cohort 2.0” course, held from 16/12/2023 to 20/04/2024.
This four-month-long immersive program aimed to equip aspiring policymakers, researchers, and legal enthusiasts with essential skills and knowledge. Through a combination of interactive lectures, workshops, networking sessions, and practical exercises, attendees deepened their understanding of public policy and its impact on a diverse array of societal issues.
Day 9 of the Public Policy Qualitative Participatory Action Research Fieldwork Fellowship – Cohort 2.0 session conducted by Prof. Prabhu Ponusamiji focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research. The session was divided into two parts: a theoretical overview and practical examples of utilizing artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT and others, in research analysis.
Overview
Prof. Ponusamiji began by introducing the significance of artificial intelligence in research methodologies, emphasizing its ability to analyze vast amounts of data efficiently and derive meaningful insights. He highlighted the role of AI in revolutionizing research practices, making tasks like literature review, data analysis, and forecasting more streamlined and less time-consuming.
He discussed the essential skills required for researchers to leverage AI effectively, including proficiency in data analytics, natural language processing, and ethical considerations. Prof. Ponusamiji emphasized the importance of staying updated with the latest AI tools and methodologies to enhance research productivity.
Prof. Ponusamiji further demonstrated the use of popular artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Google Brain, and Microsoft Bing for research purposes. He provided insights into the features and functionalities of each tool, highlighting their capabilities in data analytics, literature review, and content summarization.
Artificial Intelligence Writing Tools For Research
In addition, Prof. Ponusamiji showcased how researchers can use artificial intelligence tools to extract key information from research papers, generate summaries, and analyze data efficiently. He also discussed the differences between various artificial intelligence models and their suitability for different research tasks.
Research Content Summarization: Prof. Ponusamiji highlighted the importance of efficient summarization for publications, research papers, and PhD theses. Notable tools mentioned included Elicity, Conscience, and Skyspace, which assist in finding, synchronizing, and summarizing scholarly articles. These tools not only provide references but also aid in converting citations according to different referencing styles, making them invaluable for researchers.
Reference Tools: Moving on, Prof. Ponusamiji introduced research reference tools such as Research Rabbit and Connected Papers. These tools enable users to explore relevant literature, track citations, and visualize connections between research papers. Particularly, Research Rabbit stands out for its innovative citation-based literature mapping, allowing researchers to discover papers relevant to their topics efficiently.
Research Writing Tools: The discussion then shifted to research writing tools, including Quilbot and TextRoa. These tools assist in paraphrasing, grammar checking, and summarizing lengthy papers, facilitating the writing process. Prof. Ponusamiji emphasized the importance of these tools in enhancing writing quality, removing plagiarism, and refining language.
Data Analytics Tools: Prof. Ponusamiji delved into the realm of data analytics tools, shedding light on their significance in research endeavours. He highlighted that while ChatGPT and Google Brain offer basic analytical capabilities, there are other tools available for those seeking more advanced functionalities and visualization options. Prof. Ponusamiji emphasized that although these tools provide valuable insights, their full potential is often unlocked through subscription-based versions. He noted that while some free versions offer limited functionalities, subscribing to premium versions grants access to a broader range of features.
Among the data analytics tools discussed, Prof. Ponusamiji highlighted RapidMiner, a versatile tool known for its comprehensive data analysis capabilities. He also mentioned Tableau, which excels in data visualization, allowing researchers to create interactive dashboards and explore data in depth. Additionally, Prof. Ponusamiji introduced Google Cloud AutoML, noting its potential for data analysis. However, he acknowledged that its usage is relatively limited among health and social science researchers.
In essence, while these data analytics tools offer immense potential for enhancing research outcomes, Prof. Ponusamiji highlighted the importance of selecting tools that align with specific research needs and objectives. He encouraged participants to explore these tools further, keeping in mind their potential limitations and subscription requirements.
Prompt Commands for AI Tools: Prof. Ponusamiji concluded by discussing the significance of prompt commands in utilizing artificial intelligence tools effectively. By providing clear and specific prompts, researchers can obtain relevant insights, generate new hypotheses, and streamline research processes. The session highlighted the need for researchers to stay updated with emerging tools and strategies to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
Conclusion
Following an engaging practice session where participants interacted and were shown how to use various tools, the session culminated with a review of essential concepts. This included emphasizing the significance of artificial intelligence in research, highlighting the leading AI tools, and offering practical advice for optimizing their usage. Prof. Ponusamiji encouraged participants to explore and experiment with AI tools to enhance their research endeavours.
Overall, the session provided valuable insights into the applications of artificial intelligence in research and equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI tools effectively in their research projects. In addition, the session provided valuable insights into leveraging technology for research purposes, empowering researchers to navigate the ever-expanding landscape of tools and methodologies.
Read more about IMPRI at:
Action Research, Policy and Impact: A Bureaucrat’s Experience
Acknowledgement: The report was posted by Apekshya Basnet, a research intern at IMPRI.
