AI for Research in Public Health

Overview

This page contains notes and resources on the use of AI/LLMs (e.g. ChatGPT) in public health. More specifically, it is focussed on forms of research and writing that might be undertaken in public health work. 

How to use this page

This page is designed to support online workshops that I am leading but should also be navigable on its own. 

Part 1: Decide which of the sections in part 1 below best describes your level of competence with using AI (e.g. ChatGPT). Open that section and consider undertaking the tasks in that section

Part 2: This is a series of resources below that are referred to in Part 1 but which can also be navigated according to your needs and interests. 

Using AI in Public Health research

Part 1: Find your level and have a go

Use the following three sections to navigate a series of tasks designed to help you engage with the topic of AI in the research process

Click here if you have never used AI (e.g. ChatGPT) before

Click here if you have used AI (e.g. ChatGPT) within the research process before

Click here if you are very experienced in using AI (e.g. ChatGPT) within the research process

The tasks below are designed to help you reflect on your use of generative AI. Once you have reflected, it would be great to share that insight. Read the list and then choose any of the tasks.  

Part 2: Resources on the topic of AI in public health research

The content below is a series of sections that outline the key information needed to make the most out of generative AI in the research process.

Key Terminology & Principles

This whole page is an introduction to the use of AI but in this section are included some of the key terms and a few introductory resources. 

A Brief Glossary

Key Principles for using AI for research

What is AI good for?

The Limitations of using AI/LLMs

Artificial intelligence and human intelligence are not the same; AI tools do not understand anything they produce nor do they understand what the words they produce mean when applied to the real world.  

Further Introductory Resources

Common AI tools and apps

This section includes a list of tools and apps that allow relatively easy use of AI. 

AI/Large Language Models

Apps that use AI

Academic Malpractice and AI

Generative AI can be used in many appropriate ways but it could also be used inappropriately and in a way that is contrary to recognised values and principles of research practice.

The following section outlines some key points in this area.

Further Reading

Kaebnick, G. E., Magnus, D. C., Kao, A., Hosseini, M., Resnik, D., Dubljević, V., ... & Diniz, D. (2023). Editors’ statement on the responsible use of generative AI technologies in scholarly journal publishing. Ethics & Human Research, 45(5), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.1002/hast.1507 

Elsevier (n.d.) The use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing for Elsevier. https://www.elsevier.com/en-gb/about/policies-and-standards/the-use-of-generative-ai-and-ai-assisted-technologies-in-writing-for-elsevier 

Signs that text might have been written using AI

Adapted from: https://medium.com/@marginaliant/5-signs-a-students-essay-has-been-written-using-ai-a569235ab1be

Getting the most out of AI: Tasks, prompts & ideas for research and practice

Tasks/Prompts for producing written reports and doing research

More on prompts and the use of AI in research

Using Generative AI in specific stages of the research process

Various AI-powered applications can be useful for different aspects of the research process. Before selecting an AI app for your research, consider the specific requirements of your study, the type of data you need to collect, and the analysis methods you plan to use. Additionally, ensure that the chosen app complies with ethical standards and data protection regulations relevant to your research.

Research Design

Literature Reviews

Many AI-powered apps can assist with the literature review. Check out the 25 prompts for ChatGPT below as well, for ideas of how to frame your prompts. We have used the following two platforms and have found them sueful:

ChatGPT

Seb Dianati and Suman Laudari suggest 25 prompts to ask ChatGPT to help with your research. Read their article on Times Higher Education (you can sign up for free to access articles):

Data Extraction

Transcription

If you have a lot of interviews or focus groups to be transcribed for your research, it will likely be necessary to pay for transcription services if you do not wish to do it yourself. Some of the AI-powered apps offer free trials or limited free use per month.

Data Analysis

Writing

Others

Using Generative AI in specific stages of the research process: Statistical Analysis

Overview

Generative AI has the potential to be a significant step change in the way we develop statistical competence and understanding offering support to researchers and analysts across various skill levels. By leveraging AI models' natural language processing capabilities, users can use genAI as a study buddy or expert peer asking questions on anything from data preparation to interpretation of results. This integration of AI into statistical practice has the potential to improve efficiency and understanding and make certain methods of analysis more accessible to a broader audience.

Here are some useful approaches for incorporating generative AI into statistical analysis, along with sample prompts:

Data Preparation and Cleaning

Exploratory Data Analysis

Statistical Test Selection

Interpreting Results

Advanced Techniques

Reporting and Visualisation

Troubleshooting and Error Interpretation

Suggested Tools

Find out more

AI & Generative AI in Public Health

Additional Reading and Insight

Recommended Resources