Responsible AI in Social Science Research: Methods, Applications, and Ethics

NCCU College of Communication Workshop Highlights Responsible AI in Social Science Research

The College of Communication at National Chengchi University (NCCU) hosted Thesis & Research Project Development Workshop II: Responsible AI in Social Science Research: Methods, Applications, and Ethics on May 1. Supported by the University Academic Alliances in Taiwan (UAAT), the workshop featured Dr. Natalie Stroud from The University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Hsuan-Ting Chen from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The event brought together MA and PhD students to explore how artificial intelligence can be responsibly integrated into social science research.

The workshop began from the premise that AI is increasingly shaping the research process, from literature review, survey and measurement design, experimental stimuli development, and content analysis to data visualization, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Through conceptual discussion and hands-on activities, Dr. Stroud and Dr. Chen guided participants in examining both the practical potential of AI tools and the methodological risks they may introduce.

Building on this foundation, the speakers emphasized research rigor, transparency, and ethical responsibility as essential principles for AI-assisted research. They discussed challenges such as bias, inconsistent outputs, synthetic participants, and reproducibility, while underscoring the need for careful verification, clear documentation, and human judgment. The workshop also introduced approaches to AI-assisted content and data analysis, including the use of conversational AI tools and more reproducible workflows such as Python scripts and API-based analysis. Participants were encouraged to think critically about how AI use should be documented and disclosed as part of responsible research practice.

Dr. Jhih-Syuan (Elaine) Lin, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, noted that the workshop provided graduate students with a timely opportunity to consider how responsible AI use may inform their own thesis and research project development. She emphasized that the session encouraged students to think beyond technical applications and reflect on the broader implications of AI for academic inquiry, research practice, and scholarly responsibility. In this sense, the workshop contributed to the College’s broader efforts to support graduate students as they develop independent research agendas in a rapidly changing communication research environment.

Group photo of participants and speakers at the Thesis & Research Project Development Workshop II. (Photo by College of Communication)

The two speakers introduce the workshop theme and discuss responsible AI applications in social science research. (Photo by College of Communication)

Dr. Natalie Stroud demonstrates how AI tools can support literature review and research design while emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation. (Photo by College of Communication)

Dr. Hsuan-Ting Chen guides participants through prompt design and hands-on AI-assisted research exercises. (Photo by College of Communication)