中文摘要
生成式人工智能（AI）有可能彻底改变研究方式。我分析了诸如 ChatGPT 之类的大语言模型（LLM）如何协助经济学家，描述了六个领域中的数十个应用场景：构思与反馈、写作、背景研究、数据分析、编码和数学推导。我提供了通用指引，并展示了如何利用其中每一项的具体示例，将 LLM 的能力从实验性到高度有用进行分级。我认为，经济学家可以通过利用生成式 AI 自动化微任务而获得显著的生产率提升。此外，随着 AI 系统性能的持续改进，这些收益还将增长。我还推测了 AI 驱动的认知自动化对经济研究的更长期影响。与本文相关的在线资源解释了如何入门，并将定期更新生成式 AI 在经济学中最新能力的相关信息。（JEL A11, C45, D83, I23, O33）
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize research. I analyze how large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT can assist economists by describing dozens of use cases in six areas: ideation and feedback, writing, background research, data analysis, coding, and mathematical derivations. I provide general instructions and demonstrate specific examples of how to take advantage of each of these, classifying the LLM capabilities from experimental to highly useful. I argue that economists can reap significant productivity gains by taking advantage of generative AI to automate micro-tasks. Moreover, these gains will grow as the performance of AI systems continues to improve. I also speculate on the longer-term implications of AI-powered cognitive automation for economic research. The online resources associated with this paper explain how to get started and will provide regular updates on the latest capabilities of generative AI in economics. (JEL A11, C45, D83, I23, O33)