Academic Speed Dating – Experiments and Causal Research with AI
The event offers an excellent opportunity for researchers from different disciplines and career stages to exchange ideas and discuss current developments at the intersection of data science, empirical research, and artificial intelligence.
Participants can either join as listeners and engage in discussions during the networking session, or actively contribute by presenting their own research. We especially encourage researchers to share ongoing projects or open research questions broadly related to the theme in a short five-minute presentation designed to spark discussion and foster new collaborations. Up to five presentation slots are available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This edition's theme is “Experiments and Causal Research with AI".
Everyone is warmly invited to participate – whether to present or simply to connect with fellow researchers.
The event will feature two keynote presentations by Prof. Marc Ratkovic and Dr. Nicole Schwitter, who will share their perspectives on experiments and causal research in the context of AI.
Dr. Nicole Schwitter will speak on “Using Generative AI for Experimental Stimuli in Social Research”:
Factorial survey experiments are a powerful tool for studying causal effects of multidimensional stimuli. Recent advances in generative AI provide new opportunities to create customisable text and image stimuli in a flexible and scalable way. This talk demonstrates how AI-generated vignettes, both visual and textual, can be used to systematically vary multiple attributes across large sets of experimental materials. This approach allows more efficient exploration of complex treatment spaces while potentially also enhancing realism and engagement in survey experiments, without sacrificing experimental control. At the same time, the use of AI in experimental design raises methodological challenges, including issues of validity and bias. The presentation discusses how these challenges can be addressed while keeping researchers closely involved in the design and evaluation process. Overall, the talk positions generative AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a methodological innovation that expands the design space of causal research.
The event will be moderated by Prof. Florian Keusch, member of the Board of Directors of the Mannheim Center for Data Science.
As always, our Academic Speed Dating will provide the opportunity for informal exchange and networking. Following the presentations, participants have the possibility to continue discussions in a relaxed setting over snacks and drinks.
The aim of the Academic Speed Dating is to promote interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration within the University of Mannheim’s research community.
What? Academic Speed Dating
Who? All interested parties are invited!
When? Thursday, April 16, 2:00 p.m. – approx. 4:00 p.m.
Where? Schloss O 048