How will you focus your research?

1. If possible, pick a topic that you want to learn more about.
2. Scan your textbook or assigned readings for ideas.
3. Start to write down keywords and related concepts.
4. Consider creating a concept map if you learn best visually.

By now you are probably aware of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, Meta AI, and Perplexity. You might even be tempted to use them to generate text for a paper.

This is not a good idea, but of course that's what a librarian would say!

But don't take our word for it. Here's what ChatGPT had to say:

Prompt: Should I let a chatbot write my research paper for me?

ChatGPT's answer: "While chatbots can generate text and provide information on various topics, using it to write your research paper is not recommended. Chatbots are designed to assist and provide information, but they have limitations:

1. Lack of Originality: Chatbots generate text based on patterns they have seen in their training data, which means they may not produce truly original content for your research paper. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and using AI-generated text without proper attribution could lead to severe consequences. 
2. Accuracy and Credibility: While chatbots can provide useful information, they might not always be entirely accurate or up-to-date. Chatbots may not have access to the latest research or updated sources, leading to outdated or irrelevant references in your paper. For this reason, it's better to search for sources using library databases.
3. Context and Structure: A chatbot may not fully understand the specific requirements, context, and structure of your research paper. Academic papers have specific formats, citations, and methodologies that require human expertise and understanding.
4. Ethical Considerations: Depending on your institution's policies, using an AI language model to write your paper may be considered unethical, especially if it's not disclosed to your instructor. Using AI language models to complete academic assignments raises ethical questions regarding academic integrity and personal learning. 
5. Lack of critical thinking: Chatbots generate text based on patterns in the data they were trained on, but they don't have genuine understanding or critical thinking abilities. As a result, they may produce inaccurate or misleading information without being able to verify its own claims.
6. Plagiarism concerns: Using a language model to generate entire sections of a research paper without proper citation can lead to unintentional plagiarism. It's essential to give credit to original authors and properly cite sources in academic work.
7. Lack of feedback and guidance: A significant part of academic research involves feedback and guidance from instructors or advisors. Relying solely on a chatbot can deprive you of valuable feedback that helps improve your writing skills.
8. Missed learning opportunities: Research paper writing is a valuable skill that contributes to academic growth and personal development. Relying on a chatbot entirely can hinder the opportunity to enhance your own writing, research, and critical thinking abilities."

So what can you use it for? Chat GPT says:

"Consider using a chatbot as a supplementary tool to aid your research and writing process. Here's how you can use it effectively:

1. Information Gathering: Use a chatbot to gather information on specific topics related to your research. It can provide insights and references that you can verify and include in your paper. It is essential that you fact-check this information since Generative AI is prone to hallucinations (also known as "making stuff up")
2. Outline Assistance: Ask a chatbot for ideas to structure your paper or create an outline. It can help you organize your thoughts and arguments.
3. Proofreading and Editing: After writing your paper, use a chatbot to review and suggest improvements in grammar, sentence structure, and clarity.

While ChatGPT and other chatbots like Gemini and Claude can be useful tools for brainstorming ideas, generating snippets, or getting inspiration, it is crucial to utilize them responsibly and combine them with your knowledge, understanding, and expertise to produce a well-researched and original academic paper.

Remember that your research paper is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, critical thinking, and academic skills. While AI can be a valuable resource, it should not replace the effort and expertise you bring to your work. Always prioritize integrity, originality, and ethical practices in your academic pursuits. If you need assistance with your research paper, seek guidance from your instructors, professors, or librarians."