Generative AI in Research

Penn State's Office for Research Protections sets out what a researcher must do before AI touches a study, covering IRB approval ahead of any use with human-subjects data, consent language that tells participants their data will be processed by AI, and the point that de-identification alone is not enough because residual patterns and file metadata can re-identify people. It also adopts a four-level disclosure ladder running from minimal use needing no statement up to full transparency, which is the practical answer to the question of when you have to declare AI assistance. You come away able to say precisely what your protocol, your consent form and your manuscript each need to state.

Task

Ethics & compliance

Time

20 min

Level

intermediate

Cost

Free — Nothing to pay. A free account at most.

Tools

None in particular

Published

2026-05