Propuesta de un diseño metodológico mixto para analizar la integración de la inteligencia artificial generativa en las rutinas periodísticas

Francisco J. Cristòfol; Alfred Hermida; Juan Pablo Mateos-Abarca

doi:10.15198/seeci.2026.59.e989

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Published: Oct 13, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15198/seeci.2026.59.e989

Keywords:

Generative artificial intelligence, Mixed methods, Digital journalism, Technological innovation, journalistic routines

Francisco J. Cristòfol

Universidad Internacional de La Rioja

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-3514

Alfred Hermida

University of British Columbia

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4632-3791

Juan Pablo Mateos-Abarca

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8449-0072

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of generative artificial intelligence tools is significantly transforming journalistic routines, introducing new dynamics in news production processes, work organization, and professional identity. Despite growing academic interest in this phenomenon, methodological limitations remain in systematically assessing its impact on everyday journalistic practices. This study proposes and justifies a mixed-methods research design aimed at analyzing the integration of generative artificial intelligence into journalistic routines and establishing an operational basis for its future empirical measurement. Methodology: The research adopts a triangulation approach combining three data collection methods: a survey of active journalists, in-depth interviews, and a daily log documenting the use of artificial intelligence tools in real work contexts. The study follows a comparative design between two media ecosystems: Andalusia (Spain) and British Columbia (Canada). Additionally, the Generative AI Impact Index in Journalism (IIGP) is proposed as a multidimensional operational framework that integrates different analytical dimensions of artificial intelligence impact on journalistic work. Results: The study presents, as its main result, a structured methodological model that integrates professional perceptions, work experiences, and AI-use records in journalistic contexts. It also proposes the initial operationalization of the IIGP as a multidimensional framework structured around eight dimensions: intensity of use, perceived efficiency, editorial autonomy, human supervision, ethical risk, artificial intelligence literacy, cognitive load, and organizational context. Its future empirical application will require validation of the dimensional structure and the use of procedures compatible with the ordinal nature of the data. Discussion: The proposed methodological model offers a replicable analytical tool for future research in journalism and communication studies, enabling more systematic measurement of AI’s impact. Its application across different media contexts can enhance understanding of ongoing professional transformations.

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How to Cite

Cristòfol, F. J., Hermida, A., & Mateos-Abarca, J. P. (2026). Proposal of a mixed-methods research design to analyze the integration of generative artificial intelligence into journalistic routines. Revista De Comunicación De La SEECI, 59, 1–32. https://doi.org/10.15198/seeci.2026.59.e989

Issue

Vol. 59 (2026)

Section

DESAFÍOS Y PERSPECTIVAS EN LA INTERSECCIÓN DE METAVERSOS, INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL GENERATIVA Y COMUNICACIÓN: IMPLICACIONES PARA LA GENERACIÓN ALFA

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Author Biographies

Francisco J. Cristòfol, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja

Tenured Professor. He holds a Ph.D. in Journalism and is a doctoral candidate in Economics and Business at the University of Málaga. He has a Master’s degree in Journalism (CEU) and a Master’s degree in Teaching (UMA), as well as the GESCO Master’s program from ESIC and the Advanced European Program in Digital Marketing (ICEMD). His research focuses on marketing and communication related to religious brotherhoods, a topic he addresses in his second doctoral dissertation. He also conducts research on regional brands, journalism, and political communication. He currently teaches at the International University of La Rioja (UNIR) and has served on the faculty of various academic institutions, including Loyola University Andalusia, the European University, the Open University of Catalonia, the Autonomous University of Bucaramanga (Colombia), and the University of the Sacred Heart (Puerto Rico).

Alfred Hermida, University of British Columbia

Dr. Alfred Hermida is a professor and former director (2015–2020) of the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media at the University of British Columbia, and a co-founder of The Conversation Canada. With 25 years of experience in digital journalism, his current research focuses on the transformation of news, innovation in the media, and artificial intelligence in journalism. He is currently focused on the Global Journalism Innovation Lab, a six-year SSHRC-funded project investigating how innovation practices, business models, and regulatory frameworks are shaping the future of journalism. Before joining UBC in 2006, he worked for 16 years as a journalist at the BBC, in television, radio, and online.

Juan Pablo Mateos-Abarca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid, a Master’s degree in Digital Journalism from the Recoletos Group, and a Master’s degree in European Union Law from the European University of Madrid. He also holds a Doctorate in Information Business (CL) from the Complutense University of Madrid. In addition, he is an official member of the MEDIACOM Research Group (UCM) and twelve other scientific editorial committees, as well as an Honorary Member of the National Committee of Communication Professionals (PROCOM). He is a professor in the Department of Information Sciences at the Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in technology. He has published numerous articles and book chapters in renowned scientific journals and publications (Historia y Comunicación, Icono14, Revista Mediterránea, Visual Review, Gedisa, Fragua, Dykinson, etc.)

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