Abstract

FONTANELLI, Oscar et al. Use and Evaluation of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Social Studies: Report on the Experience of the Academic Community at Flacso Mexico. Perf. latinoam. [online]. 2025, vol.33, n.66, pp.267-279.  Epub Sep 01, 2025. ISSN 0188-7653.  https://doi.org/10.18504/pl3366-013-2025.

The rapid expansion of generative artificial intelligence (gen-AI) tools during the last few years seems to offer immense uncertainty, opportunities as much as risks for teaching and research in the social sciences. The lack of empirical data made it difficult to understand the situation and how to respond to it. To remedy this predicament, it is necessary to obtain empirical data to understand to what extent and in what ways they are being used in these activities. To this end, we carried out a survey on how gen-AI is actually being used and perceived by faculty and students at Flacso Mexico. The questionnaire addressed three main dimensions: use, evaluation, and perception of use among colleagues and peers. The results show a differentiated usage: professors primarily use it for writing, translation, and language editing processes, while students also use it to generate ideas and analyze data. While both groups acknowledge the benefits of gen-AI in specific stages of the research process, significant uncertainty persists about its ethical and methodological suitability in academic contexts. Regarding institutional demands, professors emphasize regulation, while students prioritize training. The survey aims to provide a foundation for reflection and discussion regarding possible interventions within our institution and beyond.

Keywords : survey; generative artificial intelligence; emerging technologies; social science research; digital transformation in research.

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