Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Basics: Home

Proceed With Caution!

With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), you may apply research strategies to use this newer technology to seek information. Using these tools can assist with many information-seeking projects but should be done with certain considerations in mind. 

• You should always consult your instructors when using AI for assignments. Consult your course syllabi to review specific AI-usage policies and follow college and KCTCS policies regarding academic honesty. 
• AI tools can "hallucinate" and produce sources and information that is false or made-up! Be cautious of using sources you see in any AI information presented in response to your research prompts. Read more about this here. 
• Be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding AI such as possible copyright infringement and violations of intellectual property rights. Carefully consider the implications of uploading copyrighted materials or sharing sensitive or private information with AI tools, understanding this content will be added to the knowledge base that it draws from to create responses for other AI inquiries. Read more about this here as you consider ethical concerns surrounding AI.
• You will still need to apply critical thinking skills in evaluating AI information! Apply lateral reading and research strategies to locate any sources AI provides to verify their credibility. This library guide provides tips for evaluating AI content for accuracy. 
• AI platforms can be effective tools to improve your writing and help you with tasks. Develop skills to use AI to fine-tune AI responses with responsive prompts to communicate exactly what you want to say and to provide accurate communications. Learn more about AI prompt engineering to excel at crafting the most relevant outputs! Learn more about this here. 

Remember that YOU are the researcher and AI is just a tool to help you! AI tools have limitations in what they can do and it's up to you to fully grasp what you need to accomplish as you use any of these tools. Keep these principles in mind:

1. YOU need to understand any assignment or task you use AI to help with!

2. YOU need to understand how AI works to get the best outputs, i.e. prompt engineering, and employ critical thinking skills to accomplish your task!

3. YOU need to evaluate and verify anything AI provides you in outputs! 

It's important to develop AI skills but you, the human, are ultimately the engineer and must understand how to harness these tools for the most effective results. Depending on AI is dangerous and doesn't support you as you follow a path of lifelong learning.