Generative AI can be a useful tool in many ways, but when using it for research and writing papers one should demonstrate caution and understand how to use it properly to avoid plagiarism.
On this page, you will learn the proper uses, as well as the limitations, of using Generative AI while researching.
EACH PROFESSOR HAS DIFFERENT POLICIES ABOUT USING GENERATIVE AI, SO PLEASE ASK YOUR PROFESSOR BEFORE USING IT. YOUR PROFESSOR MAY HAVE A GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COURSE USE STATEMENT. IF SO, USE THAT AS A REFERENCE POINT.
Generative AI draws from existing material to "generate" information in response to specific questions/prompts. It comes in various forms, but the most famous example is ChatGPT.
How NOT to use ChatGPT and similar tools when writing a paper:
-Rephrasing existing material and presenting it as your own words (a.k.a. plagiarism)
-Finding sources and citing them
How to use ChatGPT and similar tools when writing a paper:
-Finding a research topic
-Formulating keywords for database searching (example - Daubar*)
-Improving keyword searches and finding synonyms (example - Daubar*)
-Creating a list of databases that would work best for your topic (example - Daubar*)
*Please note when creating database lists in ChatGPT, some databases listed will not be available through the Upstate library (even if you specifically state you are a student at our university - example). Also, to access our databases, you need Upstate specific links. Any database links provided by ChatGPT will not be Upstate specific, so you will need to access them via this page.
Need help with prompts? Check out this page by Marshall University's Library
*Sylvie Daubar's presentation "Working with the Mega-Source: Research in the Age of AI."
Things to beware of when using generative AI:
-These tools can "hallucinate" and create fake sources
-Free versions may not be consistently updated and have limited data
-Some links provided may not be real or lead to pages that do not work (example)
-Citations may be incorrect (and fake)
-Information may be biased
Please exercise caution when using generative AI tools. Make sure to check (and double check) every source it provides. Simply put, don't get got!
*Example from Sylvie Daubar's presentation "Working with the Mega-Source: Research in the Age of AI."
If you do use phrasing generated by AI in your paper, to avoid plagiarism, you must cite it (although you should ask your professor before including any AI generated material).
Linked below is a guide created by Arkansas State University's Library about citing AI (includes examples for various citation styles):