Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Research

Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research Writing

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools has transformed research writing by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and creativity. However, to maintain integrity, transparency, and reliability in academic work, it is crucial to use AI responsibly. The Pakistan Journal of Health is committed to ensuring that AI is integrated ethically in research writing. These guidelines outline the appropriate use of AI for authors submitting their work to the journal.

1. Scope of AI Usage

AI can be used for improving language clarity, grammar correction, and paraphrasing. It is also permissible to use AI for assisting in literature searches and reviews, particularly through AI-powered databases. AI can facilitate data analysis and visualization, provided that the methods used are appropriately validated. Additionally, AI tools may be used for formatting references and citations.

However, AI must not be used for generating original ideas, hypotheses, or entire research manuscripts. The creation, fabrication, or falsification of data using AI is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, misrepresenting AI-generated content as the author’s independent work is not acceptable.

2. Transparency and Disclosure

To ensure transparency, authors are required to disclose any AI tools used in their research writing. This disclosure should include the name and version of the AI tool, as well as the specific tasks for which it was employed.

A clear acknowledgment must be included in the manuscript, such as, “The authors take full responsibility for the accuracy and validity of the content.”

3. Ethical Considerations

Authors remain fully accountable for the content of their manuscript, even when AI tools have been used. The presence of errors or inaccuracies introduced by AI does not exempt authors from responsibility.

AI should never be used to copy content without proper citation, as doing so constitutes plagiarism. Authors must also be aware of the potential biases in AI-generated content and ensure that they validate all AI-assisted outputs using established research methods. AI should not be relied upon for critical analysis or conclusions.

4. Manuscript Review Process

The editorial team of the Pakistan Journal of Health will screen all manuscripts for inappropriate or undisclosed AI use. Any violations may lead to the rejection or retraction of the manuscript.

If necessary, authors may also be required to provide details on their AI usage during the peer review process.

5. Compliance with Standards

All authors must adhere to these guidelines and comply with the ethical standards set by the academic community. As AI technologies continue to evolve, these guidelines will be updated periodically to ensure they remain aligned with the latest developments in AI and academic publishing practices.

6. Consequences of Misuse

Failure to disclose AI usage or misuse of AI in research writing may lead to serious consequences, including the rejection of the manuscript, retraction of published work, and potential reporting of the author to their institution or funding organization.

7. Contact Information

For any questions regarding the appropriate use of AI in research writing, authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office. The Pakistan Journal of Health is committed to maintaining high ethical standards and ensuring that AI is used responsibly to enhance the credibility of scientific research.