AI platforms like Claude are fantastic tools we can use to brainstorm, bounce ideas off, serve as a second set of eyes, and draft language we can revise and adapt. Our office uses it daily to help draft more effective feedback and materials. We also want to encourage research teams to use it as well and have created some prompts for research teams to consider using. That said, when using AI, always:
- Think first. Use your human brain. Always view AI as a tool to augment your human brain rather than a replacement. Review all outputs with a critical eye. AI, while convincing, is not always correct.
- Keep your voice. AI tends to have a distinctive voice. It’s important that your own voice isn’t lost to it. Our diversity is what makes us stronger.
- Protect your intellectual property. Be sure you’re using AI platforms that won’t re-use or claim ownership over any intellectual property you’re giving it. All AI use for university business is also subject to NU Policy 125 .
- Own what you submit. You are accountable for following and using the materials you are submitting to us for review – regardless of how that material was generated.
- Keep ethics and safety human. Don’t let AI replace human risk assessment or risk mitigation planning. If you don’t have the expertise to evaluate risk or consider how to mitigate risk, find someone who is.
With that out of the way, I think the following prompts are excellent starting points for using Claude to streamline the submission process. Understand that the outcomes of these will not always be accurate and the pre-review script is especially prone to hallucination, so use your own judgment.
Drafting consent form language Claude prompt:
“I’m uploading my research aims and my research procedures. Use this to write a 3 sentence summary of my research aims for a consent form using lay language for my participants. Use this to write a summary of what participants will be asked to do if they decide to take part in the study using lay language and diagrams or charts where it makes sense. Include information a reasonable person would want to know including the topics discussed or questions asked and details about how any devices work or the experience of using them will be like. Avoid jargon. These summaries will be included in the consent form to ensure participants understand what the research study is about and what they will be asked to do. Do not create additional procedures or alter the scientific intent. Flag any inconsistencies or missing details or information you need to do this.”
Drafting recruitment materials Claude prompt:
“I’m uploading my research aims and my research procedures. Create a recruitment flyer and recruitment post for social media for this research study. Use plain and neutral language. Maintain accuracy and avoid persuasive or coercive phrasing.”
“Pre-review” before submitting Claude prompt:
“I’m uploading all the documents I will submit for IRB review. Please conduct a preliminary review of the materials against IRB regulations. Please conduct a preliminary review of the materials against Northeastern IRB policies and expectations outlined here: https://dhr.research.northeastern.edu/institutional-review-board/investigator-manual-2/ and https://dhr.research.northeastern.edu/forms-guidance/guidance/ . Flag anything that may cause issues for the IRB review process. Flag any prompts in the protocol form that aren’t fully answered or addressed but should be, based on the information in the protocol document. Flag any inconsistencies or missing information. At the end, ask me if I want help drafting responses to address any of the issues using guidance from https://dhr.research.northeastern.edu/forms-guidance/guidance/.”
Evaluating consent language accessibility Claude prompt:
“I’m uploading my consent forms. Review them and let me know if any parts of it might be confusing for a lay reader. Identify any accessibility issues as well.”
If you have other new and smart ways you’re using AI to help you submit, you have better prompts, or just want to share how well these prompts are working for you, send them to [email protected]! Always remember that all AI use is subject to NU Policy 125 . This post reflects my general recommendations and does not create or supersede any Northeastern University requirements or expectations related to AI use and compliance at Northeastern. If anything here conflicts with any other policy or expectations, be sure to defer to those.
— Erik Williams