Throughout this action research project, I made intentional use of ChatGPT by OpenAI, a generative artificial intelligence tool, to support specific stages of the research and writing process. The tool was not used to generate research findings or make analytical decisions, but functioned as a reflective and technical aid that supported clarity, structure, and confidence.
- At the early stage of the project, AI was used to sense-check the interview and questionnaire questions, both before and after tutor and peer feedback. This included reviewing the order, logic, and number of questions to ensure they were coherent and accessible.
- AI was also used to support the refinement of my research focus, particularly when narrowing and dividing the final research question in response to tutor and peer feedback.
- As a non-native English speaker, I used the technology to copy-edit and spell-check my final blog posts. AI did not generate academic content, but assisted in improving clarity and flow.
- During the artefact review, AI was used to support the organisation and comparison of observations across platforms, helping translate qualitative notes into indicative groupings for visual comparison. Interpretive coding and analytic decisions remained researcher-led.
- Similarly, AI was used to sense-check the thematic analysis during a later stage, supporting reflection on the relative weighting and prominence of themes once they had already been manually identified through reflexive thematic analysis.
- AI was also used to check Harvard referencing, supporting consistency and formatting accuracy. All sources were selected independently and drawn from approved academic readings.