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How exposed to AI is a Social Science Research Assistant?

Of the 23 tasks O*NET lists for social science research assistants, 8 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 5 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Clinical Research AssistantGraduate AssistantGraduate Research AssistantResearch AideResearch AssistantResearch AssociateResearch TechnicianSocial Research Assistant
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
23
tasks rated for this occupation
91%
hold a degree, from a survey of 23
29k
people do this job in the US
24 of 60
least protected in science

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

8
  • Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations
  • Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results
  • Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors
  • Develop and implement research quality control procedures
  • Present research findings to groups of people
  • Code data in preparation for computer entry
  • Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement
  • Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires

Only with software built on top

10
  • Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning
  • Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software
  • Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases
  • Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion
  • Conduct internet-based and library research
  • Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians
  • Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants
  • Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks
  • Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation
  • Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required

Cannot be sped up

5
  • Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data
  • Recruit and schedule research participants
  • Supervise the work of survey interviewers
  • Collect specimens such as blood samples, as required by research projects
  • Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.