Towards 'augmented sociology'? A practice-oriented framework for using large language model-powered chatbots

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2301422
AutoresMark Friis Hau (0000-0001-7496-1232, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark, autor de correspondencia)
Año2025
Volumen68
Número1
Páginas57-67
Fecha de publicación2025-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaActa Sociologica (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0001-6993 • E-ISSN: 1502-3869
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00016993241264152
OpenAlexW4400864063
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas6
Referencias citadas35

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are rapidly gaining popularity as labour-augmenting tools. This paper is for sociologists seeking to make the best use of this technology in their work. It presents a practice-oriented framework for using AI chatbots in sociology, building on considerations of the technical conditions of LLMs to introduce both a task categorization and the concept of a 'knowledge funnel'. This model illustrates the relationship between the scope of knowledge and accuracy in outputs to guide sociologists in evaluating the reliability and applicability of AI-generated content in their research. The main argument driving this article is to establish a paradigm of 'augmented sociology' that focuses on human-AI interaction and understands LLMs as a resource rather than as a replacement. This augmentation manifests itself clearly in dialogic ideation, enhancing research by bridging domains, and broad methodological assistance. The paper's primary contribution lies in introducing specific terminologies and actionable strategies for sociologists to integrate LLM chatbots creatively and effectively in their work, filling a significant gap in the current academic understanding of generative AI's role in sociology

Argument (complex analysis · Bridging (networking · Categorization · Dialogic · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Generative grammar · Knowledge management · Pedagogy · Popularity · Scope (computer science · Sociology · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Digital Economy and Work Transformation · Digital Education and Society · Engineering · Ethics and Social Impacts of AI · Psychology · Social Psychology