What are the main challenges and opportunities of using big data and AI for research purposes?

1 What is big data and AI?

Big data refers to the large and complex datasets that are generated from various sources, such as social media, sensors, mobile devices, and online platforms. AI, or artificial intelligence, is the field of computer science that aims to create systems and algorithms that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision making. Big data and AI are often used together to extract insights and patterns from the data, and to create solutions and innovations for various problems and domains.

2 Why use big data and AI for research?

Big data and AI provide a plethora of advantages and possibilities for research, such as the capacity to ask and explore questions that were previously inconceivable or impractical, the augmentation of the accuracy and reliability of research outcomes through the utilization of more data and sophisticated techniques, the optimization of the research process by automating and optimizing certain tasks and steps, the facilitation of collaboration and communication between researchers and stakeholders through the use of shared platforms and tools, and the contribution to the public good and public interest by tackling significant and pressing issues and challenges.

4 How to obtain informed consent for using big data and AI for research?

Obtaining informed consent for using big data and AI for research can be a difficult task, as the data and algorithms may be dynamic, complex, and unpredictable, and the data subjects may not have the capacity, opportunity, or interest to provide their consent. To address this challenge, researchers should consider providing clear and accessible information about the research and its potential risks and benefits to the data subjects and stakeholders, using multiple and flexible modes and channels of communication and engagement, seeking consent at different stages and levels of the research process and allowing the data subjects to withdraw or modify their consent at any time, using alternative or complementary forms of consent, such as opt-in, opt-out, broad, or dynamic consent, depending on the context and nature of the research, and collaborating with the data subjects and stakeholders and involving them in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the research. Informed consent is a critical component of ethical research, as it ensures that the data subjects are aware of and agree to the purpose, methods, and implications of the research.

5 How to ensure responsible and respectful use of big data and AI for research?

In addition to obtaining informed consent, researchers and stakeholders should also adhere to the principles and guidelines of responsible and respectful use of big data and AI for research. This includes following ethical codes and norms of their disciplines and institutions, conducting the research with integrity and honesty, ensuring the quality and reliability of the data and algorithms, validating and verifying the research results and claims, acknowledging and citing the sources and contributions of the data and algorithms, respecting the intellectual property and ownership rights, and sharing and disseminating the data and algorithms and the research findings and implications in an open and accessible manner. Furthermore, they must comply with the relevant laws and regulations, and avoid any misconduct or malpractice.