Will AI replace Social Science Research Assistants?

AI can do 85% of the work Social Science Research Assistants do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 10 of their 22 tasks, while 8 more are ready but barely used so far. 4 still need a person.

AI is already doing this10 · 49% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.Mostly automated9% of time
  • Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.Mostly automated8% of time
  • Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.Mostly automated7% of time
  • Conduct internet-based and library research.Mostly automated5% of time
  • Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.Mostly automated5% of time
  • Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Code data in preparation for computer entry.Mostly automated4% of time
  • Develop and implement research quality control procedures.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires.Mostly automated3% of time
  • Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required.Mostly automated1% of time

AI could do this next8 · 36% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.9% of time
  • Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.7% of time
  • Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.7% of time
  • Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.4% of time
  • Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.3% of time
  • Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.3% of time
  • Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.3% of time
  • Present research findings to groups of people.1% of time

Still needs a person4 · 15% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.7% of time
  • Recruit and schedule research participants.5% of time
  • Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.1% of time
  • Supervise the work of survey interviewers.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

Get my personal report

What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. People in this job already use it heavily. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 10 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 8 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 4 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Remote Sensing Technicians81%Precision Agriculture Technicians72%Chemical Technicians62%Forest and Conservation Technicians54%Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health53%Quality Control Analysts53%

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