Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2024

Generative AI in Technical Communication: A Review of Research from 2023 to 2024

Carol Reeves Butler University ; J.J. Sylvia Fitchburg State University

Abstract

Since its release in late 2022, ChatGPT and subsequent generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools have raised a wide variety of questions and concerns for the field of technical communication: How will these tools be incorporated into professional settings? How might we appropriately integrate these tools into our research and teaching? In this review, we examine research published in 2023–2024 addressing these questions ( N = 28). Overall, we find preliminary evidence that GAI tools can positively impact student writing and assessment; they also have the potential to assist with some aspects of academic and medical research and writing. However, there are concerns about their reliability and the ethical conundrums raised when they are used inappropriately or when their outputs cannot be distinguished from humans. More research is needed for evidence-based teaching and research strategies as well as policies guiding ethical use. We offer suggestions for new research avenues and methods.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2024-10-01
DOI
10.1177/00472816241260043
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Topics
teacher development assessment technical communication empirical research artificial intelligence book reviews
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (8)

  1. Jablonski et al. (2026)
    Introduction: Advancing Technical Editing in the Age of GAI
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Smith et al. (2026)
    How Organizations Can Integrate AI-Generated Positive Communication Into Recrui…
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  3. Braun et al. (2026)
    AI Competencies in Technical Communication: A Study of Hiring Trends and Educat…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. Verhulsdonck et al. (2026)
    Expanding Human-in-the-Loop: Critical Sensemaking for Technical and Professiona…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  5. Lambrecht (2025)
    “What People Are Saying” About Extreme Weather: A Comparison of Public Commenta…
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
Show all 8 →
  1. Muthyala et al. (2025)
    Demystifying Chatbot Creation: A Comparative Case Study of Available Approaches
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
  2. Colby (2025)
    Playing the digital dialectic game: Writing pedagogy with generative AI
    Computers and Composition
  3. Thominet et al. (2024)
    Role Play: Conversational Roles as a Framework for Reflexive Practice in AI-Ass…
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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CrossRef global citation count: 14 View in citation network → Build reading path →

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