Overview

On this page, you can find some commonly used terms that are used in discussions on AI technology. Remember, while the AI Writer Toolbox can help you learn more about applications of AI in writing, it's important to remember that faculty will have different policies about the use of AI in the classroom. If you are ever in doubt about acceptable applications of AI tools in a specific class, the best thing to do is ask your instructor. 

Algorithm: An explicit process or set of rules for solving problems or completing tasks, usually used by a computer.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The ability of a computer to provide text, image, or other generative output based on information that is received in the form of a prompt.

AI Hallucination: The tendency of generative AI to generate responses that are grammatically correct, but contain counterfactual or incorrect information.

Bias: Skewed or flawed information that exists in the data training set, which can result in prejudiced output.

Chatbot: Generative AI-driven virtual assistants that can answer questions, have conversations, and provide support.

Data Ownership: Having the rights and responsibility for data, which can include data that AI is trained on.

Generative AI: A category of AI that produces new content based on patterns and examples from a training set of data.

Large Language Model (LLM): A type of transformer model used in chatbot and voice assistant applications. LLMs generate language based on probabilities, not from an actual understanding of material, and therefore cannot be substituted for human thought.  

Machine Learning: The process of a machine using a constructed algorithm to find patterns in information and improve performance based on those patterns.

Plagiarism: Using people’s words and/or ideas without giving credit or misrepresenting their ideas in writing.

Prompt: Instructions entered into AI software that result in output such as text or an image.

Prompt Engineering: The process of crafting instructions for an AI chatbot that will result in the best possible output for any particular situation.

Transformer Model: A platform that provides text-based output using language processing technology to break up and assess patterns in huge sets of data (i.e., ChatGPT). The result is novel content derived from the training set.