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February 9, 2026Computers7 citationsOpen Access

Transparency Mechanisms for Generative AI Use in Higher Education Assessment: A Systematic Scoping Review (2022–2026)

IPItahisa Pérez-PérezMGMiriam Catalina González-AfonsoZCZeus Plasencia Carballo

Key Points

  • The aim is to explore and synthesize transparency mechanisms in higher education assessments involving generative AI.
  • Conducted a systematic scoping review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
  • Executed searches in Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and IEEE Xplore from 2022 to 2026.
  • Included 11 studies out of an initial 92 records and coded them across four dimensions.
  • Limited operationalization of transparency mechanisms identified in the literature.
  • 27.3% lacked explicit assessment methods, while 18.2% relied on unverified self-disclosure.
  • 45.5% of requirements were poorly specified, with 63.6% reporting insufficient evidence on workload and acceptability.

Abstract

The integration of generative AI in higher education has reignited debates around authorship and academic integrity, prompting approaches that emphasize transparency. This study identifies and synthesizes the transparency mechanisms described for assessment involving generative AI, recognizes implementation patterns, and analyzes the available evidence regarding compliance monitoring, rigor, workload, and acceptability. A scoping review (PRISMA 2020) was conducted using searches in Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and IEEE Xplore (2022–2026). Out of 92 records, 11 studies were included, and four dimensions were coded: compliance assessment approach, specified requirements, implementation patterns, and reported evidence. The results indicate limited operationalization: the absence of explicit assessment (27.3%) and unverified self-disclosure (18.2%) are predominant, along with implicit instructor judgment (18.2%). Requirements are often poorly specified (45.5%), and evidence concerning workload and acceptability is rarely reported (63.6%). Overall, the literature suggests that transparency is more feasible when it is proportionate, grounded in clear expectations, and aligned with the assessment design, while avoiding punitive or overly surveillant dynamics. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261287226).

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Cite This Study

Pérez-Pérez et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698979a6f0ec2af6756e7721https://doi.org/10.3390/computers15020111
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