Dear Colleagues,
We invite you to participate in a research study exploring whether instructors of technical and professional writing (TPC/PTW) can distinguish between student- and AI-generated texts. This study—“Distinguishing Between Student- and AI-Generated Research Reports: Identifying Strategies for Technical Communication Instructors in STEM Disciplines”—is being conducted by researchers in the Department of Technical Communication and Rhetoric at Texas Tech University (IRB-2024-190).
Why Participate?
Your participation will help build critical knowledge about how generative AI is affecting writing pedagogy and assessment practices. The results will inform strategies for teaching and evaluating authentic student writing in TPC classrooms.
What’s Involved:
The study consists of a one-time Qualtrics survey that takes approximately 25 minutes to complete. Eligible participants who complete the survey will receive a $35 Amazon gift card. Upon request, participants can also receive a personalized report showing how accurately they distinguished between human- and AI-generated texts.
Compensation is limited to the first 34 eligible respondents.
Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must:
- Have completed or be actively pursuing a graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, or PhD) in a writing-oriented discipline such as rhetoric and composition, technical and professional communication, communication studies, literature, creative writing, or cultural studies.
- Have taught at least four semesters (including summers) of TPC or PTW courses.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
Next Steps:
To begin, please access the survey here:
https://qualtricsxm2f7c4s7rw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UUgyKrQKxX90Uu
After a brief eligibility check, you will be presented with a consent form, followed by the main survey. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time without your responses being recorded.
Questions?
For more information, please contact the principal investigator, Mason Pellegrini, via phone or text at (253) 307-0785, or email at mason.pellegrini.
Please feel free to share this survey with anyone (TT/NTT faculty or graduate students) who might be interested!
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Mason Pellegrini
Mason Pellegrini, PhD
Assistant Professor, Technical Communication and Rhetoric
Department of English
Email: mason.pellegrini
Office: HUMA 363G