Generative AI and PhD supervision: A covert third wheel or a seat at the table?

Harding, Debs and Boyd, Philippa (2024) Generative AI and PhD supervision: A covert third wheel or a seat at the table? In: ARCOM Conference 2024: Looking Back to Move Forward 40th Conference, 2-4 September 2024, London. (In Press)

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Abstract

The advent and adoption of GenAI tools has pedagogical implications for Researcher/Supervisor dynamics both within Construction Management and in the wider academic context. Unless both parties understand these implications, GenAI tools have the potential to disrupt the traditional balance of power and trust between Researcher and Supervisor, potentially impacting both the rigour of PhD training and research outcomes. Rather than exploring the technical competence and reach of GenAI tools, this scoping study explores Researcher/Supervisor relationships pre-and post-GenAI and sets out avenues for further research. Informed by structuration theory, and using reflective ethnography and semi-structured interviews, the research maps shifts in agency and structure and identifies several important issues. Findings highlight that fear and suspicion surrounding the use of GenAI confer undue agency on the technology, which further conceals its use. Opportunities to develop critical analytical skills are missed and this can threaten the integrity of research outputs. The study concludes that GenAI tools should be more than a covert “third wheel” in the relationship. Instead, the technology could be openly incorporated into supervision frameworks in a transparent, integrated approach.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Sustainable Development Goals:	Goal 4: Quality Education
Keywords:	Artificial intelligence (AI), Pedagogy, PhD supervision, Power, Relationships
Divisions:	School of the Built Environment > Research
Depositing User:	Dr Pippa Boyd
Date Deposited:	24 Jul 2024 09:01
Last Modified:	14 Nov 2024 08:19
URI:	https://ucem.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/125

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