LLMs boost complex problem-solving :)
The study we have all been waiting for
Ethan Mollick et al. have published the LLM productivity study many of us have been eagerly anticipating. This study matters a lot - it's well-designed, conducted at Procter & Gamble (known for their high standards), and focuses on actual valuable work rather than just using LLMs for busywork.
Key takeaways
The main finding is clear: LLMs like ChatGPT significantly boost performance in complex problem-solving and product development tasks:
Individual performance: Working alone with an LLM assistant raises your output almost to the level of a team working without AI. Great news for freelancers, side hustlers, and anyone working independently.
Team performance: When teams use LLMs together, their results improve dramatically. This has big implications for how organizations can work and innovate.
What many of us hoped would be true now has solid evidence backing it up, which feels genuinely freeing. :)
The study's strengths
Several things make this research particularly valuable, from my really practical perspective:
Clear baselines: The researchers measured normal performance (individual and team without LLMs) before testing the technology's impact.
Real-world setting: P&G is an ideal test case with its performance-driven culture, well-trained people, and openness to critical assessment. (I worked for them as a summer intern many, many moons ago and found the culture rather impressive)
Focus on valuable creative work: Instead of looking at routine tasks like emails, the study examined complex product development that mixes commercial and technical expertise. This is creative problem solving at its best with open ended results, and generates clear economic value.
More relevant than previous studies: Unlike the earlier BCG study on consultant work (which doesn't always reflect typical corporate jobs), this research looks at actual product development with clear market outcomes.
High standards: The research specifically looked at creating "top 10% solutions," matching P&G's high standards while showing meaningful improvement.
While we've seen hints about LLM productivity in various settings, this study resolves a major concern I've had - by providing solid evidence that LLMs genuinely help get actual work done. :)
As always, I'm interested in your thoughts: Feel free to message me. Or, if you prefer, you can share your feedback anonymously via this form.
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