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The advantages and limitations of using ChatGPT to enhance technological research

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  • Rice, Stephen
  • Crouse, Sean R.
  • Winter, Scott R.
  • Rice, Connor

Abstract

In 2022, OpenAI made a groundbreaking entrance with the release of ChatGPT, a new online chatbot that allows users to interact with the GPT-3.5 language model. Users can ask questions and converse with ChatGPT by typing into a text field similar to direct messaging software. Then, ChatGPT will generate a response. Users can then either respond to ChatGPT, regenerate the previous response, or “like” the response and give feedback. OpenAI improved the program on March 14th, 2023, with the release of GPT 4, which promised better reasoning ability. Both these iterations of ChatGPT have attracted significant attention from researchers due to the software's remarkably enhanced capabilities compared to earlier versions. Due to its inherent value as a research tool, ChatGPT will likely become a permanent fixture, so a thorough evaluation of ethical and professional boundaries is crucial. In this opinion paper, we explore ChatGPT 4.0 by addressing: a) its capabilities, b) its limitations and weaknesses, and c) strategies for fact-checking its output to ensure high-quality responses. Subsequently, the authors delve into the diverse implications of this software and discuss how it can be optimally employed to advance research in technology and various other domains.

Suggested Citation

  • Rice, Stephen & Crouse, Sean R. & Winter, Scott R. & Rice, Connor, 2024. "The advantages and limitations of using ChatGPT to enhance technological research," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:76:y:2024:i:c:s0160791x23002312
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2023.102426
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Khogali, Hisham O. & Mekid, Samir, 2023. "The blended future of automation and AI: Examining some long-term societal and ethical impact features," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 73(C).
    2. Dowling, Michael & Lucey, Brian, 2023. "ChatGPT for (Finance) research: The Bananarama Conjecture," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 53(C).
    3. Bin-Nashwan, Saeed Awadh & Sadallah, Mouad & Bouteraa, Mohamed, 2023. "Use of ChatGPT in academia: Academic integrity hangs in the balance," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
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    Cited by:

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    4. Ivanov, Stanislav & Soliman, Mohammad & Tuomi, Aarni & Alkathiri, Nasser Alhamar & Al-Alawi, Alamir N., 2024. "Drivers of generative AI adoption in higher education through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behaviour," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    5. Giordano, Vito & Spada, Irene & Chiarello, Filippo & Fantoni, Gualtiero, 2024. "The impact of ChatGPT on human skills: A quantitative study on twitter data," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    6. Gómez Gandía, José Andrés & Gavrila Gavrila, Sorin & de Lucas Ancillo, Antonio & del Val Núñez, María Teresa, 2025. "Towards sustainable business in the automation era: Exploring its transformative impact from top management and employee perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    7. Frank, Darius-Aurel & Chrysochou, Polymeros & Mitkidis, Panagiotis & Otterbring, Tobias & Ariely, Dan, 2024. "Navigating uncertainty: Exploring consumer acceptance of artificial intelligence under self-threats and high-stakes decisions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).

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