Disclosing Generative AI Use in Digital Humanities Research

TL;DR

This survey explores digital humanists' perceptions of disclosing generative AI use, revealing a gap between the acknowledged importance and actual disclosure practices, with calls for institutional policy guidance.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into current disclosure attitudes and practices among digital humanists, informing policy development for AI transparency.

Findings

Low actual disclosure rates despite recognizing importance

Disagreement on activities requiring disclosure

Preference for institutional policies over individual decisions

Abstract

This survey study investigates how digital humanists perceive and approach generative AI disclosure in research. The results indicate that while digital humanities scholars acknowledge the importance of disclosing GenAI use, the actual rate of disclosure in research practice remains low. Respondents differ in their views on which activities most require disclosure and on the most appropriate methods for doing so. Most also believe that safeguards for AI disclosure should be established through institutional policies rather than left to individual decisions. The study's findings will offer empirical guidance to scholars, institutional leaders, funders, and other stakeholders responsible for shaping effective disclosure policies.