Policy Think Piece: AI & Social Research: Moving from Hype to Value

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking social research “by storm.” Across Uganda,

Africa, and the wider world, researchers, students, and practitioners are
adopting generative AI tools to draft reports, code interviews, and even write
academic papers. This excitement has triggered a wave of shallow prompting,
where users cut, paste, and deploy AI-generated text with little interrogation
of its accuracy or validity. Such practices create a frenzy that risks
undermining the value and credibility of social research.
This think piece reflects on the place of social researchers in this rapidly
changing environment. It asks how we can reposition ourselves to ensure AI
becomes a complement to social inquiry, rather than a disruptor. By
examining both opportunities and challenges, it proposes pathways for
responsible integration and provides actionable recommendations for
policymakers, research institutions, and practitioners.