AI-generated writing is any text that is produced by artificial intelligence (AI) systems, such as chatbots, text generators, or summarizers. AI-generated writing can be useful for many purposes, such as entertainment, education, or research. However, it can also be misused for deception, plagiarism, or manipulation. That’s why it’s important to be able to detect and evaluate AI-generated writing and to use it responsibly and ethically. Below you'll find information designed for this purpose. We hope you find the information contained on this page useful and informative. 

• To Err is Human: Human text usually contains typos and is extremely variable, whereas AI-generated content vary rarely makes typos and often generates "perfect" sounding text.

• Logic Check: AI models sometimes make implausible or incorrect statements.

• Survey Says: Large language models are more likely to use predictable words like "the," "it," or "is" rather than more uncommon words.

• Testing, Testing: If ChatGPT is asked the same question (or is provided the same exact prompt) from multiple users, it will provide nearly the exact same response to each. This repetition of words, logic or reasoning can be indication of AI generated language.

• Watch the Clock: ChatGPT cannot detect events that have occurred recently. This can lead to factually inaccurate information.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania created a game to test how good humans are at spotting AI-written text—try the game and see how well you can identify computer generated language. 

• Battle of the Bots – AI vs. AI: Software exists that analyzes the different features of a text, including how fluently something reads, how often certain words appear, and whether there are predictable patterns, to determine the likelihood that it is composed of AI-generated content. Here are a few examples:

From the Provost re: Turnitin's AI Detection Capabilities

Dear Colleagues:

As the generative artificial intelligence (AI) discussion continues worldwide, I want to let you know that Turnitin (TII) is sharing a preview release of its AI writing detection capabilities starting on April 4, 2023. While the AI detection capabilities will be built into the existing TII similarity report in Brightspace, please do not use AI detection applications alone to conclude that there has been plagiarism or a violation of academic integrity.

There will be an announcement in Purdue Today about this new TII capability as well, and the Purdue Global team will be evaluating detection applications and providing guidance. Updates will be shared as soon as new information is available. In the meantime, please review the Purdue Global Generative AI Statement for guidance on appropriate uses of AI generated content.

Please be aware that students will not have access to the AI writing detection indicator and report in Turnitin.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please complete this form.

Thank you, 

Jon Harbor | Provost

March 31, 2023

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