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The adoption of Large Language Models in economics research

Author

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  • Feyzollahi, Maryam
  • Rafizadeh, Nima

Abstract

This paper develops a novel methodology for estimating the adoption of Large Language Models (LLMs) in economics research by exploiting their distinctive linguistic footprint. Using a rigorously constructed difference-in-differences framework, the analysis examines 25 leading economics journals over 24 years (2001–2024), analyzing differential frequencies between LLM-characteristic terms and conventional economic language. The empirical findings document significant and accelerating LLM adoption following ChatGPT’s release, with a 4.76 percentage point increase in LLM-associated terms during 2023–2024. The effect more than doubles from 2.85 percentage points in 2023 to 6.67 percentage points in 2024, suggesting rapid integration of language models in economics research. These results, robust across multiple fixed effects specifications, provide the first systematic evidence of LLM adoption in economics research and establish a framework for estimating technological transitions in scientific knowledge production.

Suggested Citation

  • Feyzollahi, Maryam & Rafizadeh, Nima, 2025. "The adoption of Large Language Models in economics research," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:250:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525001028
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112265
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics research; Large Language Models; Natural language processing; Scientific production; Technological adoption;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • A23 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Graduate

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