Between algorithms and scientific methodology

Essay on scientific research mediated by artificial intelligence in Higher Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55028/edutec.v6i1.24574

Keywords:

Teaching practices, Scientific methodology, Scientific illustration

Abstract

This essay discusses the challenges and potentialities of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in scientific research in Higher Education, with a focus on teaching practice. To this end, four tools were analyzed: Bing Image Creator, Happy Scribe, Perplexity.ai, and Consensus, organized into three categories of application: a) scientific illustration generators; b) transcribers for netnographic research; and c) search mechanisms for scientific articles in databases. It was observed that Bing Image Creator offers resources for creating inclusive images, facilitating the illustration of concepts and procedures in an attractive and innovative way. Happy Scribe proved useful for transcribing and organizing data from secondary sources, especially in netnographic research, speeding up previously time-consuming stages of the investigative process. Perplexity.ai and Consensus demonstrated potential to support the search and initial analysis of scientific literature, optimizing access to sources and evidence. However, the experience also revealed important challenges, such as the need for critical AI literacy, information validation, attention to research ethics, plagiarism prevention, data privacy, and recognition of algorithmic biases. Thus, these technologies should be understood as support tools, and not as substitutes for the researcher’s intellectual activity. This study contributes to the discussion on the ethical, critical, and responsible integration of AI in academic training, highlighting the importance of teacher and student training for transforming investigative processes.

Author Biographies

  • Cláudia Lilian Alves dos Santos, Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brasil

    Doctoral candidate in Teaching in the Graduate Program in Teaching (PPGEn), Northeast Network in Teaching (RENOEN) at the State University of Southwest Bahia (UESB), Vitória da Conquista – BA, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence in Research and Teaching and in the research line of Teaching and Learning of Exact, Experimental, and Natural Sciences. Holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from the State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus – BA. Postgraduate (lato sensu) in Biology Teaching from the Federal University of Vale do São Francisco (UNIVASF), Brumado campus. Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the State University of Bahia (UNEB), DCH, Campus VI, Caetité – BA. Currently a Biology teacher (EBTT) in Basic, Technical, and Technological Education at the Federal Institute of Bahia (IFBA), Brumado Campus. Coordinator of the GPA Research Line – Academic Production Group/IFBA, registered with CNPq. Has experience in General Biology, Teaching, Scientific Research with Artificial Intelligence, Anatomical Model Production, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Education, Zoology, Microbiology, Ecology, and Ethology.

  • Antocléia de Sousa Santos, Secretaria de Educação do Estado do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brasil

    Ph.D. in Social Sciences from Fernando Pessoa University (UFP/Portugal). Postdoctoral training in Public Health at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Specialist in Education from UCAM/RJ. MBA in Academic Artificial Intelligence from Signorelli. Philosopher and Sociologist. Writer and researcher in the fields of digital technologies, active learning methodologies, social ethics, among others.

  • Margareth Aparecida e Silva, Secretaria de Educação do Estado do Espírito Santo, Venda Nova do Imigrante, ES, Brasil

    Master’s degree in Education from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES). Postgraduate in Human and Regional Development from UFES; Specialist in Psychopedagogy from Faculdade de Venda Nova do Imigrante (FAVENI/ES). Trained in Human Rights Education through the partnership between the University of Paraíba and UFES (UFPA/UFES). Specialist in Neuroscience, Positive Psychology, and Mindfulness (PUCPR). Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. Public school teacher in the State Education Network of Espírito Santo.

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Published

2026-07-23

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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Rolling pass

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How to Cite

SANTOS, Cláudia Lilian Alves dos; SANTOS, Antocléia de Sousa; SILVA, Margareth Aparecida e. Between algorithms and scientific methodology: Essay on scientific research mediated by artificial intelligence in Higher Education. Edutec - Education, Digital Technologies, and Teacher Education, [S. l.], v. 6, n. 1, 2026. DOI: 10.55028/edutec.v6i1.24574. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufms.br/index.php/EduTec/article/view/24574. Acesso em: 13 nov. 2026.
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