Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Academic Research by PhD and MPhil Scholars in Pakistan: A Qualitative Study of Practices, Benefits, and Ethical Concerns

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16882479

Abstract

The study involves a qualitative approach to the topic and considers the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by PhD and MPhil researchers in one country, Pakistan, and looks at practices, perceived opportunities, and ethical issues. The study employs a framework based on the media-studies approach combining three complementary models of communication: Diffusion of Innovations, Technological Affordances, and Critical/Platform approaches by using semi-structured interviews of the representatives of different disciplines and research institutions. Results indicate that AI is primarily used to triage literature, write, polish language, and troubleshoot methods in a significant time-saving process with increased clarity. But respondents cite high risks, such as fabricated citations, bias, privacy issues and gaps in access to high-quality tools. Instead, ethical micro-practices like human-in-the-loop verification, disclosure statements, and no-copy areas became methods of maintaining the integrity of academia. As the research indicates, to achieve a balance between innovation and rigor, clear institutional policies, equitable access, and relevant literacy training on AI must be addressed. It gives recommendations to the university, supervisor, libraries, and the scholars on how to responsibly incorporate the AI into the doctoral research workflow in Pakistan.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Generative AI; Academic Research; Doctoral Education; Pakistan; Qualitative Methods; Ethics; Media Studies; Diffusion Of Innovations; Affordances