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Artificial intelligence (A.I.) refers to the development of computer systems or machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. The field of A.I. includes various sub-disciplines such as machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision. AI has numerous applications in various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment, among others.
You may want to use an A.I. chatbot, like ChatGPT for your assignments. Below are some suggestions for how to use A.I., and practices you should avoid.
Ways to use A.I. for coursework
Ways to use A.I. for coursework
A.I. chatbots like ChatGPT and Bard can be a helpful tool when completing assignments. And while it is tempting to have them do all of the work for you, they likely won't do a very good job at completing assignments or getting you a good grade. However, they can help get you started and stay organized. Here are some things that an A.I. chatbot can help you do:
- Generate ideas on a topic and explore related terms and concepts
You could ask a chatbot something like, "what are the key concepts behind Aristotelian Virtue Ethics and what are related philosophical concepts?" and a chatbot can likely give you a good basis of understanding for potential research topics.
You will then want to take those concepts, key words, or topics and do your own research to verify and fully understand the concepts presented by the chatbot.
In general, if you use a chatbot to generate research ideas, you do not need to cite it in your final paper or project. However, if you use any of the content provided by a chatbot (through quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing), you should cite it.
2. Get help thinking of keywords for a research topic
2. Get help thinking of keywords for a research topic
If you're struggling with keywords, try asking a chatbot for keywords on your topic. For example, you could ask "what are good keywords to use to find information on income inequality for families in New England?" A chatbot can give you a list of terms and concepts, as well as synonyms and more specific search terms.
You will then want to use those keywords and search terms to do your own research using the library databases and/or by utilizing credible resources on the internet.
3. Get suggestions for databases and other sources to do your own research
3. Get suggestions for databases and other sources to do your own research
For example, you could ask a chatbot something like, "what are the best databases to find information on computational programming and ethics?" the chatbot will give you a list of databases. You can then search the recommended databases through UMA Libraries.
Ways NOT to use A.I. for coursework
Ways NOT to use A.I. for coursework
While A.I. can seem like an easy way to get your assignments done, it will likely churn out a very uncreative and often incorrect work! Here are other things that A.I. chatbots cannot do well:
- Provide a list of articles for a research paper
A.I. chatbots are known to have what’s called “hallucinations” in that they create sources or make up statements that sound real but have no factual basis. If you ask a chatbot for a list of sources, they will likely look real but are often fake articles.
The best way to get sources for your paper is research! Use the library, the internet, or meet with a librarian to find real sources for your paper.
2. Provide verified, credible facts on a topic
2. Provide verified, credible facts on a topic
Similar to how a chatbot likely won’t produce real sources for you, they are also prone to making up facts that are presented as if they are absolutely correct and from credible sources.
You will always want to verify a fact that a chatbot tells you. You can use the library databases, or sometimes even just a quick Google search to ensure the information you're getting is accurate.
3. Find information on current events or current sources
3. Find information on current events or current sources
The texts and data used to build chatbots are usually at least a year behind, therefore a chatbot likely will not have any information on a current event or new development.
Newspapers are the best resources to find credible information on current events. You can access newspapers through library databases. Want to know how? Ask a librarian!
Handouts & Other Resources
Handouts & Other Resources
We have tips on prompt engineering, checking citations, and more.
Guidance on citing chatbots in Chicago, MLA, and APA citation styles.
Access this page as a handout to print & download
The Library has many resources on A.I., it's uses, positives, and negatives
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