An educational researcher's guide to ChatGPT: How it works and how to use it

Abstract

In an era of rapid technological advancements, ChatGPT has emerged as a revolutionary tool in educational research, offering opportunities to enhance research efficiency and foster innovative thinking. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing ChatGPT effectively in educational research. The operational mechanisms of ChatGPT are explained, along with a discussion of practical applications such as content creation, literature summarization, statistical analysis, and idea generation. A critical discussion of prompt engineering highlights strategies for crafting inputs that optimize AI responses. Examples include paying explicit attention to both the content of the prompt as well as how the prompt is phrased. Advanced features, such as web integration, customized GPTs, and Python-based data analysis, are explored to showcase the expanding possibilities of generative AI in educational contexts. The potential for ChatGPT to streamline workflows is contrasted with ethical considerations, including risks of misinformation, inherent biases, and privacy concerns. Researchers are urged to validate outputs and disclose AI usage transparently to maintain research integrity. While recognizing the challenges, the article underscores ChatGPT’s potential to improve educational research by enabling more accessible, efficient, and collaborative practices. Researchers are encouraged to adapt to these evolving tools, embracing their potential while remaining vigilant to ethical considerations and limitations.