Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Studying Texts Produced by Large Language Models

Fuente: arXiv
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Autor principal: Milička, Jiří
Formato: Preprint
Publicado: 2024
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author Milička, Jiří
author_facet Milička, Jiří
contents This paper addresses the conceptual, methodological and technical challenges in studying large language models (LLMs) and the texts they produce from a quantitative linguistics perspective. It builds on a theoretical framework that distinguishes between the LLM as a substrate and the entities the model simulates. The paper advocates for a strictly non-anthropomorphic approach to models while cautiously applying methodologies used in studying human linguistic behavior to the simulated entities. While natural language processing researchers focus on the models themselves, their architecture, evaluation, and methods for improving performance, we as quantitative linguists should strive to build a robust theory concerning the characteristics of texts produced by LLMs, how they differ from human-produced texts, and the properties of simulated entities. Additionally, we should explore the potential of LLMs as an instrument for studying human culture, of which language is an integral part.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2408_16740
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Studying Texts Produced by Large Language Models
Milička, Jiří
Computation and Language
This paper addresses the conceptual, methodological and technical challenges in studying large language models (LLMs) and the texts they produce from a quantitative linguistics perspective. It builds on a theoretical framework that distinguishes between the LLM as a substrate and the entities the model simulates. The paper advocates for a strictly non-anthropomorphic approach to models while cautiously applying methodologies used in studying human linguistic behavior to the simulated entities. While natural language processing researchers focus on the models themselves, their architecture, evaluation, and methods for improving performance, we as quantitative linguists should strive to build a robust theory concerning the characteristics of texts produced by LLMs, how they differ from human-produced texts, and the properties of simulated entities. Additionally, we should explore the potential of LLMs as an instrument for studying human culture, of which language is an integral part.
title Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Studying Texts Produced by Large Language Models
topic Computation and Language
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.16740