ENG 101 MCTC Library Research Strategy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are growing in use and there's no denying their efficiency in helping humans streamline work processes. But, AI has limitations (see box below). While AI can empower us to learn and enhance our metacognition and communication skills, mastering AI takes intentional effort. These tools do not THINK nor should we rely on them to carry out our work - YOU are the architect with the deeper understanding of what you need to accomplish!  YOU have the power to think critically about AI outputs and maintain authority. 

Follow these tips to use AI to advance your personal and professional goals:

1. Gain a solid understanding of how AI can help you. Use AI to explore these general ways AI can help you:

• Describe a situation or phenomenon.

• Explain why something is happening.

• Explore a new idea or topic.

• Compare differences.

• Predict what might happen in the future.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of a solution.

2. Move beyond basic prompts and develop and practice AI prompt engineering. Review responses that may seem vague or unfocused and consider how you can re-define the responses with more specific prompts and an interactive dialogue. Do your background research so you have a general idea of what you are looking at and progress to more complex prompts!

3. ALWAYS verify sources and information provided through AI! Seek original sources. 

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. 
• Recognize "AI bias" such as discrimination in algorithms could provide misrepresentation in datasets inputted within AI tools. 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. DO NOT share 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 do not "think" like you and have limitations in what they can do. 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.