Research Team Contact Details
Chief Investigator
Dr Pedro Guilherme Lemes
Email: Plemes@usc.edu.au
Phone: +61 0432051641
Partner Investigator
Prof Simon Lawson
Email: SLawson@usc.edu.au
Project Description
We are studying how generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, explain important pest and insect management concepts. We compare these AI explanations with definitions from textbooks and experienced academics, using ratings from students and professional entomologists in a blind test (you will not know which answer is which). Our aim is to see when AI can safely support learning and when its limitations make it unreliable as a primary source of information. This study is a collaboration between researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and is not funded.
Participation
If you agree to take part, you will complete a one‑time online questionnaire (about 15 minutes). You will answer a few short questions about yourself, then see 10 pest‑management terms with different explanations and rate how good each explanation is. Your participation in this research is completely voluntary. If you start the survey and then change your mind, you can stop at any time without giving a reason, and your partial data will not be used. Because survey responses are stored without names or contact details, we cannot identify which answers are yours after you submit. This means that once you finish the survey and submit it, your data cannot be withdrawn.
Your choice to take part, not take part, or to withdraw later will not affect your relationship with your professors, your university, or any institution.
Consent
Consent to participate will be confirmed before progressing to the survey. Consent is for your data and information to be collected, stored, and used in analysis and publications in a non-identifiable format. You will be asked to consent to the use of your data and information for this project and future related research.
Risks and Benefits
The risks of taking part are very low. You might feel a bit tired from reading and rating short texts, or slightly uncomfortable answering background questions. You are not being tested, your answers are anonymous, and we do not ask about sensitive personal topics. By taking part, you will help us understand how useful and reliable AI tools are for learning and working in entomology and pest management. Your answers may help teachers, students and professionals use AI more effectively and safely in this field.
Privacy, Confidentiality and Results
Any data collected as a part of this research project will be stored securely as per UniSC’s Research Data Management Procedures. All comments and responses will be treated confidentially unless required by law. The results of this research project may be presented at external or internal conferences or meetings, or by publication. If you would like a summary of findings of this research project, please contact the Chief Investigator (listed above).
Respectful Behaviour
UniSC prides itself on providing a safe environment to staff, students and visitors. It is expected that the research team and participants treat each other with respect. Aggressive, abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or offensive behaviour or language will not be tolerated. If unacceptable behaviour occurs, we will take steps to reduce any detrimental impact of such behaviour, which may include research participation being ceased.
