Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become increasingly available in academic settings, the Department of Psychology at Washington State University recognizes their potential to assist with select aspects of research, communication, and professional development. However, AI use must be consistent with the values of academic integrity, ethical research, and the development of independent scholarly ability. This policy outlines the approved and prohibited uses of AI by graduate students in the program. Note that for all coursework you must abide by the AI policies set forth in the syllabus.

Permitted uses (with prior faculty approval)

Graduate students may use AI tools for limited academic and administrative purposes, only with prior approval from their faculty mentor. These approved uses include:

1. Brainstorming and Conceptual Development:
   • Assisting with early-stage development of themes in qualitative research and/or items for psychological instruments. Finding relevant articles. Use for this purpose needs to be disclosed and your faculty mentor needs to review and approve the transcript from AI.
2. Reference and Citation Management
   • Formatting citations and bibliographies (e.g., APA style) and organizing reference lists.
3. Statistical Programming Support
   • Writing or refining code in statistical software platforms (e.g., R, SPSS, Python), provided the student can explain and interpret the code and results. Use for this purpose needs to be disclosed and your faculty mentor needs to review and approve the transcript from AI.
4. Administrative and Communication Tasks
   • Summarizing or drafting notes from meetings for personal or research group use.
   • Assisting in the drafting of professional emails (e.g., scheduling, inquiries), while maintaining professional tone.

Prohibited uses

All other uses of AI are strictly prohibited. The following are examples of unacceptable uses, which include but are not limited to:

• Drafting, editing, or generating content for master’s theses or doctoral dissertations
• Using AI to prepare any aspect of preliminary exams
• Composing or revising manuscripts intended for peer-reviewed publication
• Conducting literature reviews or summarizing research findings
• Interpreting data or drawing conclusions from research results
• Drafting or rewriting any academic work that is meant to demonstrate the student’s independent scholarly contribution.
• Uploading or sharing with AI any confidential information (e.g., client records, student information, participant information).

Such uses are considered violations of this policy and may also violate the university’s standards of academic integrity.

When in doubt

Students are expected to exercise good judgment. If uncertain whether a particular use of AI is permissible, students must consult their faculty mentor and/or the Director of Experimental Training before using AI.

Compliance and academic integrity

All AI use must align with this policy and the broader ethical standards of the discipline. Violations may constitute academic misconduct and will be handled in accordance with the Washington State University Academic Integrity Policy.

The Department of Psychology is committed to preparing students as ethical, independent scholars. This policy is intended to support the responsible integration of emerging technologies while safeguarding the integrity of academic work.