Writing With ChatGPT: The Learning Promises and Perils of Co-Writing with Generative Models in College Linguistics Classes (Linguistics)
We encourage work-study and non-work-study students to apply. This internship is only open to undergraduate students with a declared or proposed Humanities major or minor and requires work authorization.
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 30, 2025
The Humanities Experiential Learning Opportunities in Research (EXPLORE) Program connects undergraduate Humanities majors and minors with faculty-led projects in the division for paid research positions. Fellows gain valuable mentorship and practical experience.
Details
Duration: Winter and Spring Quarters 2026
Hours: 10 hours/week
Pay: $20/hour
Mentorship: Regular check-ins and support from Professor Matt. Wagers
About the project
Professor Matt Wagers is seeking a Research Assistant to join his lab who will assist with data collection, analysis, and study design in psycholinguistic research on memory, GenAI, and writing.
The primary project, “Writing With ChatGPT: The Learning Promises and Perils of Co-Writing with Generative Models in College Linguistics Classes,” explores how using generative tools like ChatGPT can lead to learning gains, and under what conditions it leads to learning loss.
Find out what it’s like to work in a cognitive science lab. Interact with other undergraduate research assistants, graduate students, and faculty investigators. Be mentored in responsible research practices while you learn about the goals, skills, and careers associated with language science and cognitive science.
What You’ll Do
Students will assist in research related to memory, language processing, generative AI and writing. Tasks may include: interacting with participants in psycholinguistic experiments, onboarding and collecting informed consent, collecting data in experiments, and organizing participant records.
- (85%) Collecting data from human subjects in person in our lab in Stevenson College.
- (15%) Administrative duties: schedule participants, collate participant records, attend weekly meetings.
- Humanities EXPLORE Programming: Attend a quarterly meeting when possible and participate in asynchronous Canvas experiential learning reflection.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- You must be a declared or proposed major or minor in a Humanities Division department and have good academic standing. If proposed, declare by June.
- Eligible majors: Applied Linguistics and Multilingualism, Classical Studies, Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Feminist Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Language Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Philosophy, Spanish Studies
- Eligible minors: Black Studies, Classical Studies, East Asian Studies, History of Consciousness, History, Italian Studies, Jewish Studies, Language Studies, Linguistics, Literature, Middle Eastern and North African Studies, Philosophy, Spanish Studies
- You have work authorization (required)
- You can work independently and collaboratively (required)
- You can commit to a multi-day work schedule in our lab in Stevenson, determined in consultation with you and your availability (required)
- You should have a strong foundation and a keen desire to develop understanding in at least one of these three areas (required):
- linguistics
- psycholinguistics/psychology of language
- cognitive science
- Students with a background in research or coursework on psycholinguistics, language processing, learning and memory, generative AI, or language models are especially encouraged to apply (preferred)
What You’ll Learn
- Gain experience with human subjects research, data science and project management.
- Participate in timely, innovative research.
- Join a supportive scientific community.
How To Apply
- Updated resume
- 1-page cover letter addressing:
- Why you’re interested in this role
- How your background and skills apply
- What you hope to gain from the experience
- Address your letter to Matt Wagers
Review these resume and cover letter resources to ensure you are a strong candidate! For application help, see Humanities Career Engagement.
Questions? Email Kylie Rachwalski at hum-experiential-learning@ucsc.edu.
The Humanities EXPLORE program is led by the Humanities Division, with strategic support from The Humanities Institute and private donors. It is funded by the Mellon Foundation, The Helen and Will Webster Foundation, and private donors.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: