AI in Research & Teaching

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of computer software to perform advanced reasoning and problem-solving tasks. Generative AI refers to software tools that can create new content such as text, images, audio, video, and code.

Large language models (LLMs) are a type of generative AI. LLMs "learn" to generate responses by identifying patterns in the vast amounts of data they are trained on. They can produce human-like text, summarize information, answer questions, and assist with various research tasks.

Using AI for Research Tasks

AI tools can assist in the research process by:

• brainstorming ideas for topics, research questions, and research designs
• searching for sources or generating search strategies such as keywords, phrases, and concepts for searching
• summarizing or simplifying large quantities of text for aid in literature reviews
• analyzing and visualizing data to identify themes, trends, and other patterns
• translating information into other languages
• improving writing through editing, proofreading, and clarifying ideas

However, these tools also have limitations for research. Be aware that these tools may:

• hallucinate (i.e., make things up)
• list information sources that don’t exist
• present false information in an authoritative tone
• reflect biases found on the internet (e.g., make assumptions about gender, race, etc.)
• be limited in their ability to respond to contemporary events or translate information into less common languages

To address these limitations, you can use some of the following strategies:

• Confirm the information you get from a generative AI tool by researching it in authoritative sources.
• Find original sources of information (e.g., scholarly journal articles accessible through the library website) to cite in academic papers, rather than citing an AI tool.
• Carefully read sources to gain an in-depth understanding of a topic without relying on AI-generated summaries.

While generative AI tools can be good at producing generic or formulaic writing (e.g., an email or press release template), they are not as good at conveying authenticity or uniqueness in writing. Sharing your own original ideas using your distinctive voice is essential for good writing and thinking. When using AI for writing, only use tools as aids for improving writing.

Finally, students should always check with their professors to determine whether they can use ChatGPT or other AI tools for assistance in completing their research assignments.