Adopting Generative AI for Literature Reviews: An Epistemological Perspective

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming increasingly influential in research. Within this context, generative AI tools like ChatGPT serve two main purposes: the improvement of writing (communication goal) and the generation of new ideas (innovation goal). The latter goal has been less explored and is therefore the focus of this article. We specifically look at how these generative AI tools can aid in the development of literature reviews within the realm of information systems research. We adopt an epistemological lens, distinguishing various knowledge-building activities. Our analysis evaluates how well generative AI tools support these tasks and offers insights tailored to different types of literature reviews.