The Impact of Digital Tools on Modern Research Practices: The Role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in Research Ethics

Authors

  • Prasanna Kumar Yekula Professor, School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, PNG University of Technology Private Mail Bag Lae 411 Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.
  • Wilson Kobal Lecturer, School of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, PNG University of Technology Private Mail Bag Lae 411 Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.

Keywords:

Digital tool technologies, Modern research practices, Data analysis, Data collection, Social research, Data privacy, Ethical concerns, Research methods

Abstract

In the 21st century, the development of digital tool technologies has led to a notable improvement in social science research worldwide. Thanks to these technological advancements, researchers can now easily access and analyse information, manage their time, and create more engaging research. This has completely changed the way that research is conducted. Review of the many studies on the influence of digital technologies on contemporary research methods is provided in this article. It concluded that digital tools, including AI and big data analytics, are transforming modern research practices by enhancing efficiency, data quality, and collaborative capabilities across healthcare, education, and social research. Institutions play a crucial role by investing in infrastructure, training, and ethical frameworks to ensure responsible and effective technology integration. While these tools offer significant advantages, challenges such as data privacy, ethical concerns, and the digital divide must be addressed. By fostering digital literacy, expanding access, and implementing clear guidelines, institutions can harness the full potential of digital tools to advance research practices in an ethical and inclusive manner.

References

[1] D. Wang and X. Shao, "Research on the impact of digital transformation on the production efficiency of manufacturing enterprises: Institution-based analysis of the threshold effect," Int. Rev. Econ. Financ, vol. 91, no. January, pp. 883-897, 2024,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2024.01.046

[2] A. Haleem, M. Javaid, M. A. Qadri, and R. Suman, "Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review," Sustain. Oper. Comput, vol. 3, no. February, pp. 275-285, 2022,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susoc.2022.05.004

[3] M. Fırat, H. Altınpulluk, and H. Kılınç, "Determination of digital technologies preferences of educational researchers," Asian Assoc. Open Univ. J., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 20-40, 2021,https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-09-2020-0064

[4] M. BAJÚZOVÁ and R. HRMO, "Digital Tools in Education The: The Impact of Digital Tools in Education on Students' Creativity," J. Technol. Inf., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 150-171, 2024,https://doi.org/10.5507/jtie.2023.007

[5] T. Gkrimpizi, V. Peristeras, and I. Magnisalis, "Classification of Barriers to Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions: Systematic Literature Review," Educ. Sci., vol. 13, no. 7, 2023,https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13070746

[6] A. I. Stoumpos, F. Kitsios, and M. A. Talias, "Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications," Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, vol. 20, no. 4, 2023,https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043407

[7] F. Loureiro, L. Sousa, and V. Antunes, "Use of digital educational technologies among nursing students and teachers: An exploratory study," J. Pers. Med., vol. 11, no. 10, pp. 1-13, 2021,https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11101010

[8] S. M. Alshehri, "Perspective Chapter: The Impact of Digital Education on Modern Educational Institutions," Intech, p. 13, 2024, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/C7RA00172J

[9] S. A. Z. Zaidi, E. Ahmad, and N. Shukla, "Ethical Considerations in the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Education and Research : A Review," Int. J. Innov. Sci. Eng. Manag., pp. 156-167, 2024, doi: 10.69968/ijisem.2024v3si2156-167.

[10] P. John, S. Shettima, and A. M. Sulaiman, "The Role of Innovative Digital Tools in Enhancing Social Science Research," no. September, pp. 0-20, 2024.

[11] K. Okoye et al., Impact of digital technologies upon teaching and learning in higher education in Latin America: an outlook on the reach, barriers, and bottlenecks, vol. 28, no. 2. Springer US, 2023.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11214-1

[12] S. Rafiq, S. Iqbal, and A. Afzal, "The Impact of Digital Tools and Online Learning Platforms on Higher Education Learning Outcomes," Al-Mahdi Res. J., no. May, 2024.

[13] I. T. Awidi and M. Paynter, "An Evaluation of the Impact of Digital Technology Innovations on Students' Learning: Participatory Research Using a Student-Centred Approach," Technol. Knowl. Learn, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 65-89, 2024,https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-022-09619-5

[14] C. Wang, X. Chen, T. Yu, Y. Liu, and Y. Jing, "Education reform and change driven by digital technology: a bibliometric study from a global perspective," Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun., vol. 11, no. 1, 2024,https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02717-y

[15] P. Samadi-Parviznejad, "The role of big data in digital transformation," J. Data Anal., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 42-47, 2022,https://doi.org/10.59615/jda.1.1.42

[16] Dr Shaheen Parveen and Shaikh Imran Ramzan, "The Role of Digital Technologies in Education: Benefits and Challenges," Int. Res. J. Adv. Eng. Manag., vol. 2, no. 06, pp. 2029-2037, 2024,https://doi.org/10.47392/IRJAEM.2024.0299

[17] R. Al-Dmour, H. Al-Dmour, E. Basheer Amin, and A. Al-Dmour, "Impact of AI and big data analytics on healthcare outcomes: An empirical study in Jordanian healthcare institutions," Digit. Heal. vol. 11, 2025,https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076241311051

[18] H. Aljaunid, "The Impact of Modern Technology on Social and Education Research Methods in Educational Contexts : An Applied Study," Int. J. Educ. Teach. Zo., vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2025.https://doi.org/10.57092/ijetz.v4i1.325

[19] W. J. Ladeira et al., "Big data analytics and the use of artificial intelligence in the services industry: a meta-analysis," Serv. Ind. J., 2024,https://doi.org/10.1080/02642069.2024.2374990

[20] Md. Aminul Islam, "Impact of Big Data Analytics on Digital Marketing: Academic Review," J. Electr. Syst., vol. 20, no. 5s, pp. 786-820, 2024,https://doi.org/10.52783/jes.2327

[21] G. Bryda and A. P. Costa, "Qualitative Research in Digital Era: Innovations, Methodologies and Collaborations," Soc. Sci., vol. 12, no. 10, 2023,https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci12100570

[22] C. Rosa, L. A. Marsch, E. L. Winstanley, M. Brunner, and A. N. C. Campbell, "Using digital technologies in clinical trials: current and future applications," HHS Public Access, 2022,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2020.106219

[23] L. Xu et al., "Assessing the impact of digital education and the role of the big data analytics course to enhance the skills and employability of engineering students," Front. Psychol., vol. 13, no. October, pp. 1-20, 2022,https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.974574

[24] R. Sabharwal and S. J. Miah, "A new theoretical understanding of big data analytics capabilities in organizations: a thematic analysis," J. Big Data, vol. 8, no. 1, 2021,https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-021-00543-6

Downloads

Published

2025-01-16

Issue

Advanced Research Techniques: Theories, Methods, And Practices (Volume-2)

Section

Chapter

How to Cite

[1]
Yekula, P.K. and Kobal, W. 2025. The Impact of Digital Tools on Modern Research Practices: The Role of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) in Research Ethics. AG Volumes. 1, 1 (Jan. 2025), 86–92.