Cognitive Effects of LLM-Assisted Writing on Scientific Thinking

Ascertain the extent to which the cognitive benefits of traditional writing for enhancing thought and critical reasoning persist when authors use large language models to assist in the writing process.

Background

The authors note research showing that writing aids thinking and argue that using LLMs in writing may alter this cognitive process. They explicitly state uncertainty about whether the known benefits of writing apply in LLM-assisted contexts.

Understanding this effect is important for scientific practice, as it relates to the originality, rigor, and development of ideas in AI-supported authorship.