(Mis)Understanding of Large Language Models: How They Can and How They Should Not be Used in Language Research

The field of language technology is rapidly evolving, driven by significant advancements in large-scale language models (LLMs). These sophisticated tools are transforming methodologies in linguistic and psycholinguistic research, influencing educational frameworks, governmental protocols, and various professional sectors. While they hold vast potential for enhancing our understanding of language dynamics and for designing scientific experiments, their application is not without challenges. Misapplications can lead to skewed findings or impede scholarly progress due to inherent model limitations, flawed assumptions, or insufficient knowledge about their modus operandi. Thus, there is a crucial need to discuss thoughtful integration of LLM-derived materials and procedures into research paradigms, ensuring that model capabilities are leveraged effectively to enrich and not hinder research on language.

This Research Topic seeks to critically evaluate the role of large-scale language models within the context of linguistic, psycholinguistic, and neurolinguistic research. Our objective is to gain new insights into how these models can contribute positively and adequately to unraveling the complexities of language acquisition, processing, and representation. Through rigorous analysis, we aim to not only identify the innovative opportunities these models offer but also make an inventory of application pitfalls. Recent enhancements in model architectures offer new pathways for insightful exploration, yet they also require cautious and informed examination to ensure ethical and empirical integrity. This research topic aspires to initiate a comprehensive dialogue regarding best practices and methodological advancements, encouraging academics to engage with LLM tools in ways that are both creative and critically informed.

This Research Topic explores the integration of LLMs and its implications in linguistic research. We invite manuscripts that address the following themes:

* Evaluative studies on the effectiveness of LLM use in linguistic acquisition and processing
* Limitations of LLMs in relation to language grounding and embodiment
* Critical analyses of LLM biases and limitations within research contexts
* Explorative discussions on integrating LLMs with existing linguistic theories
* Ethical considerations and implications of generative LLM deployment in academia
* Case studies exemplifying innovative applications of LLMs in linguistic research, whether successful or flawed, and rigorously demonstrated to be so.

We welcome submissions of Original Research articles, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, and Perspectives. It is imperative that contributions also address the pitfalls of language model usage, offering guidance to researchers on how to avoid potential missteps that could compromise scholarly understanding of linguistic phenomena.