Objectivity in Research in the AI Era: Novice Researchers’ Perspectives and Challenges in Algerian Academia

In recent years, the integration of AI tools in higher education has become increasingly widespread.Hence, This paper aims to assess how such AI tools influence the novice researchers' objectivity in their writing practices.Thus, it adopts a mixed-methods approach in which data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis, combining a survey with focus groups.The sample comprises (n=30) EFL postgraduate students.The findings consistently show that AI tools are predominantly used in problem-solving to sustain goal-setting, research planning, and data analysis.Furthermore, the findings support the idea that, when applied carefully, AI tools might be effective tools for EFL novice researchers by improving critical thinking, engagement, and decision-making.These AI resources support students' objectivity and autonomy.Nevertheless, this paper emphasizes the significance of designing institutional and pedagogical strategies that maintain academic integrity, foster critical engagement and promote impartiality in research with AI.