When using AI to conduct research, consider when to use grounded vs. non-grounded AI tools:
- Non-grounded tools generate responses on training data only. They are good for tasks like brainstorming topics, generating keywords, simplifying content, and improving sentences.
- Grounded tools generate responses using BOTH training data and specific sources. They are good for tasks like conducting research and fact-checking (e.g., Consensus, Connected Papers, the library’s AI Topic Explorer).
Many of the tools below can be used in research to assist with finding, tracking, and summarizing scholarly sources. Many of these are paid tools that offer a free version with limited functionality. Many of these tools require users to create an account.
AI Tools for Finding Scholarly Research
