How a social science research assistant can use AI, task by task

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.

Context: We use Microsoft Visual Basic and Python; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Problem: [research question]
Data and tools: [formats, libraries]

Propose an approach and write code with tests and documentation. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.

Context: We use Microsoft Visual Basic and Python; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Data: [experiments, models, observations]
Uses: [queries, analysis, sharing]

Design a schema with tables, keys and metadata, and write creation scripts and example queries. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to conduct internet-based and library research.

Context: We use REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture and Online library databases; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Research question: [what the data should show]
Archives or sources: [site reports, records, collections]

List the types of records likely to help, how to search each archive, how to record provenance, and gaps to expect.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.

Context: We use Statistical software and REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Issue: [describe]
Why I need it: [policy, program, decision]

Give me key facts, competing views, data sources to verify, and research questions worth pursuing. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to recruit and schedule research participants.

Context: We use Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign.
Role: [describe]
Channels: [describe]

Draft a posting and outreach message. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.

Context: We use REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
What I need to learn: [topic]
Who I'll ask: [type of people]
Method: [interview, survey, observation]

Draft the questions or observation checklist, sampling tips, and a template for recording answers. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to develop and implement research quality control procedures.

Context: We use Qualtrics Insight and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Survey: [topic, population]
Resources: [budget, staff]

Draft sampling, procedures and timeline. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to present research findings to groups of people.

Context: We use SAS and IBM SPSS Statistics; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Topic: [status, results, fixes]
Audience: [customers, staff]
Notes: [paste]

Draft slides outline and speaker notes. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.

Context: We use REDCap Research Electronic Data Capture; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Topic: [product demo, materials]
Client: [describe]

Prepare questions and what to present. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

I work as a social science research assistant. Part of my job is to provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.

Context: We use Qualtrics Insight and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and mathematics.
Study: [protocol, selection program]
Goals: [what to measure]

Draft methods, sampling and evaluation. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.