Natalie Cooper, Adam T. Clark, Nicolas Lecomte, Huijie Qiao, Aaron M. Ellison
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Large language models (LLMs) are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that can perform various natural language processing tasks. The adoption of LLMs has become increasingly prominent in scientific writing and analyses because of the availability of free applications such as ChatGPT. This increased use of LLMs not only raises concerns about academic integrity but also presents opportunities for the research community. Here we focus on the opportunities for using LLMs for coding in ecology and evolution. We discuss how LLMs can be used to generate, explain, comment, translate, debug, optimise and test code. We also highlight the importance of writing effective prompts and carefully evaluating the outputs of LLMs. In addition, we draft a possible road map for using such models inclusively and with integrity.LLMs can accelerate the coding process, especially for unfamiliar tasks, and free up time for higher level tasks and creative thinking while increasing efficiency and creative output. LLMs also enhance inclusion by accommodating individuals without coding skills, with limited access to education in coding, or for whom English is not their primary written or spoken language. However, code generated by LLMs is of variable quality and has issues related to mathematics, logic, non‐reproducibility and intellectual property; it can also include mistakes and approximations, especially in novel methods.We highlight the benefits of using LLMs to teach and learn coding, and advocate for guiding students in the appropriate use of AI tools for coding. Despite the ability to assign many coding tasks to LLMs, we also reaffirm the continued importance of teaching coding skills for interpreting LLM‐generated code and to develop critical thinking skills.As editors of MEE, we support—to a limited extent—the transparent, accountable and acknowledged use of LLMs and other AI tools in publications. If LLMs or comparable AI tools (excluding commonly used aids like spell‐checkers, Grammarly and Writefull) are used to produce the work described in a manuscript, there must be a clear statement to that effect in its Methods section, and the corresponding or senior author must take responsibility for any code (or text) generated by the AI platform.
期刊介绍:
A British Ecological Society journal, Methods in Ecology and Evolution (MEE) promotes the development of new methods in ecology and evolution, and facilitates their dissemination and uptake by the research community. MEE brings together papers from previously disparate sub-disciplines to provide a single forum for tracking methodological developments in all areas.
MEE publishes methodological papers in any area of ecology and evolution, including:
-Phylogenetic analysis
-Statistical methods
-Conservation & management
-Theoretical methods
-Practical methods, including lab and field
-This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome enquiries about possible submissions. Methods are defined in the widest terms and may be analytical, practical or conceptual.
A primary aim of the journal is to maximise the uptake of techniques by the community. We recognise that a major stumbling block in the uptake and application of new methods is the accessibility of methods. For example, users may need computer code, example applications or demonstrations of methods.