Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI): Using GenAI in Academic Research

1. Identify Core Concepts

Start by asking the AI to break down your research topic into its primary components.

For example, if your topic is "telemedicine in rural healthcare," you can ask: 

What are the core concepts related to telemedicine in rural healthcare? Make a list of key 
terms, words, and phrases.

2. Use AI for Synonyms and Related Terms

Request the AI to provide synonyms or related terms for your main keywords. 

For example:

What are some alternative terms for 'telemedicine' and 'rural healthcare'?

3. Explore Broader and Narrower Terms

Ask the AI to suggest broader or narrower terms related to your topic.

For example:

What broader and narrower terms can I use for 'renewable energy sources'?

4. Generate Context-Specific Keywords

Inquire about keywords relevant to specific aspects of your topic.

For example:

What are key terms related to the ethical implications of AI in education?

5. Combine Keywords for Advanced Searches

Use AI to help combine keywords into phrases or with advanced search techniques, like boolean operators, that can be used in advanced database searches.

For example:

How can I combine 'digital anthropology' and 'cultural impact' for effective database searches?

1. Ask for Overviews

Begin by asking AI to provide a general overview of your research topic.

For example:

Can you give me an overview of the history and current state of telemedicine?

2. Inquire About Key Concepts and Theories

Request explanations of fundamental concepts, theories, or frameworks related to your topic.

For example:

What are the key theories in digital anthropology?

3. Request Historical Context

Ask AI to summarize the historical background of your topic to understand its development over time.

For example:

What is the historical background of renewable energy adoption?

4. Explore Major Debates and Issues

Use AI to uncover significant debates, controversies, or challenges within your research area

For example:

What are the major debates surrounding the use of AI in education?

5. Get References to Foundational Texts and Studies

Ask the AI to suggest foundational texts, influential studies, or key authors in the field.

For example:

Who are the key authors, and what are the foundational texts in the study of rural healthcare access?

6. Cross-check AI Suggestions with Academic Sources

Don't forget to ask AI if the sources and information that it is providing are true, for links or titles to the original sources, and to find the information in the source materials to ensure the accuracy of the information you've been given.

For example:

Is the information you've given me factual? Please provide links to the works that this 
information originally came from.

1. Ask for Recommendations on Databases and Journals

Use the AI to suggest relevant academic databases, journals, or repositories.

For example:

What are the best academic databases for researching public health topics?

2. Inquire About Key Authors and Their Work

Request the AI to identify influential authors or researchers in your field and suggest their most cited works

For example:

Who are the leading researchers in environmental sustainability and what are their key publications?

3. Use AI to Find Related Studies and Reviews

Ask the AI to help you locate related studies, literature reviews, or meta-analyses on your topic.

For example:

Can you suggest literature reviews on the impact of telemedicine on healthcare outcomes?

4. Explore Interdisciplinary Sources

Inquire about other disciplines that may have relevant research on your topic.

For example:

What interdisciplinary fields should I explore for additional research on digital anthropology?

5. Ask for Guidance on Grey Literature

Request the AI to suggest sources of grey literature, such as government reports, policy papers, or conference proceedings.

For example:

Where can I find grey literature on the implementation of AI in education?

1. Check the Source's Credibility

Always verify the credibility of the sources provided by the AI. Look for academic journals, reputable publishers, or well-known authors to ensure the information is trustworthy.

For example:

Is this journal peer-reviewed and well-regarded in its field?

2. Cross-Check Information

Compare the AI-suggested sources with other reliable academic materials to confirm the accuracy and consistency of the information.

For example:

Does this source align with other established research on this topic?"

3. Use the ROBOT Test

Apply the ROBOT Test to evaluate the reliability of the sources. 

1. Start with Grammar and Style Checks

Use AI tools to scan your document for grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and style inconsistencies. Tools like Grammarly or ChatGPT can provide suggestions to improve sentence structure and overall readability.

2. Enhance Clarity and Conciseness

Ask AI to help rephrase sentences or paragraphs that are unclear or overly complex. For instance, you can prompt, "Can you simplify this paragraph without losing its meaning?"

3. Check for Consistency in Terminology

Use AI to ensure that specific terms, phrases, and formatting are consistent throughout your document.

For example:

Are there any inconsistencies in the terminology used in my paper?

4. Optimize Sentence Structure and Clarity

Ask AI tools to suggest improvements for sentence structure, clarity, and conciseness.

For example:

Can you rephrase this paragraph to make it clearer and more concise?

5. Ensure Consistency in Style and Tone

Use AI to maintain a consistent academic tone throughout your paper. Request feedback on whether your tone matches the formal and objective style required for academic writing.

6. Check for Logical Flow and Coherence

Ask AI to review the overall structure and flow of your work.

For example:

Does this section logically follow the previous one and does the argument build coherently?

7. Get Feedback on Argument Structure

Use AI to analyze the logical flow of your arguments.

For example:

Does my paper present a clear and coherent argument and are there any sections that need restructuring?

8. Refine Citations and References

Ask AI to help check the accuracy and format of your citations and references according to the required style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

For example:

Can you verify that my citations are correctly formatted in APA 7th edition?

GenAI builds on the work of others. This leaves you vulnerable to plagiarism or copyright infringements. Always cite your work, and when in doubt, try to find the source information elsewhere.

For information on how to cite content generated by GenAI, please see our citation page on this guide: https://library.stockton.edu/genAI/citegenai

Is it ethical to use AI for writing academic papers?	Using AI as a tool to assist with research, brainstorming, and editing is generally acceptable, but the final work should be your own. It’s important to use AI ethically, ensuring that it enhances your writing process rather than replacing your own intellectual contribution.
How can I ensure that the information provided by AI is accurate and reliable?	Always cross-check information provided by AI with credible academic sources. Use the ROBOT Test (Relevance, Objectivity, Bias, Authority, Timeliness) to evaluate the reliability of the information generated by AI.
How do I avoid plagiarism when using AI to write my paper?	To avoid plagiarism, use AI as a guide or for inspiration rather than copying text verbatim. Always paraphrase and properly cite any ideas or text generated by AI, just as you would with any other source.
What are the limitations of using AI for academic research and writing?	AI can sometimes provide outdated, incorrect, or biased information. It lacks the critical thinking and subject expertise that human researchers bring to their work. AI should be used as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for in-depth research and analysis.
How do I maintain my unique voice and style while using AI tools?	Use AI-generated suggestions as a starting point, but always revise and edit to ensure that your unique voice and perspective shine through. AI should enhance your writing, not overshadow your personal style.
Is it safe to share my research ideas with AI tools?	While most AI tools are designed with privacy in mind, it’s important to be cautious about sharing sensitive or original research ideas. Ensure you’re using reputable AI platforms that have strong privacy policies and consider keeping highly confidential information out of AI interactions.
Can I use AI to generate ideas for data analysis or interpretation?	AI can suggest potential methods for data analysis or offer interpretations based on the data you provide. However, you should verify these suggestions with academic guidelines and your own understanding to ensure the analysis is sound and appropriate for your research.
Can AI help me identify gaps in the existing literature?	AI can assist by summarizing the main points from a collection of literature and helping you spot areas that are under-researched or where conflicting views exist. However, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough literature review yourself to accurately identify and address gaps.
What should I do if AI provides conflicting or confusing information?	If AI provides conflicting or unclear information, consult additional sources or seek guidance from a professor or a Subject Librarian. AI can sometimes misunderstand prompts or lack the nuanced understanding needed for complex topics.