AI exposure Life, physical and social science
Will AI replace social science research assistants?
Social Science Research Assistants. US occupation 19-4061.
The reading
43.9%
of the time social science research assistants spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of social science research assistants' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.
Ranked 24 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 96% of them.Further along than 96% of them.
Per cent of working time Square-law scale
Average US job 7.7%
One of the most exposed jobs in the country.Front of the queue for an AI assistant.
What AI already does for social science research assistantsWhat social science research assistants no longer do alone
O*NET lists 22 tasks for social science research assistants. AI use at work shows up in 10 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.
- Perform needs assessments or consult with clients to determine the types of research and information required. mostly automated 1.00
- Code data in preparation for computer entry. mostly automated 1.00
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.Core task mostly automated 0.93
- Prepare, manipulate, and manage extensive databases.Core task mostly automated 0.93
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.Core task mostly automated 0.92
- Conduct internet-based and library research.Core task mostly automated 0.92
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.Core task mostly automated 0.90
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.Core task automated and assisted 0.80
Show the other 2
- Edit and submit protocols and other required research documentation. automated and assisted 0.76
- Provide assistance in the design of survey instruments such as questionnaires. automated and assisted 0.76
What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human
12 of the 22 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.
- Perform data entry and other clerical work as required for project completion.Core task
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.Core task
- Present research findings to groups of people.Core task
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.Core task
- Administer standardized tests to research subjects, or interview them to collect research data.
- Allocate and manage laboratory space and resources.
Show the other 6
- Obtain informed consent of research subjects or their guardians.
- Recruit and schedule research participants.
- Screen potential subjects to determine their suitability as study participants.
- Supervise the work of survey interviewers.
- Track laboratory supplies and expenses such as participant reimbursement.
- Track research participants, and perform any necessary follow-up tasks.
How that compares
Among the 46 life, physical and social science occupations, social science research assistants rank 2. The group averages 12.2%, and its most exposed job is Political Scientists at 45.2%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.
Just above in the ranking
- 21Political Scientists 45.2%
- 22Office Clerks, General 45.0%
- 23Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents 44.1%
Just below
What this does and does not mean
Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.
A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.
Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.