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.

If you've been following the news, you might be aware of AI chatbots like ChatGPT, "an AI-powered language model...capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations." (https://chat.openai.com/). You might even be tempted to use it 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 has to say:

Question: Should I let ChatGPT write my research paper for me?

ChatGPT's Answer: "While ChatGPT can generate text and provide information on various topics, using it to write your research paper entirely is not recommended. ChatGPT is designed to assist and provide information, but it has limitations:

1. Lack of Originality: ChatGPT generates text based on patterns it has seen in its training data, which means it 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 ChatGPT can provide useful information, it might not always be entirely accurate or up-to-date. ChatGPT may not have access to the latest research or updated sources, leading to outdated or irrelevant references in your paper. Relying solely on an AI language model may lead to inaccuracies in your research and undermine the credibility of your paper.
3. Context and Structure: ChatGPT 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: ChatGPT generates text based on patterns in the data it was trained on, but it doesn't have genuine understanding or critical thinking abilities. As a result, it 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. Limited context comprehension: GPT-3.5 processes text in chunks and lacks long-term context understanding. This limitation can lead to inconsistent and incoherent writing, especially in lengthy and complex research papers.
8. Lack of domain expertise: GPT-3.5 is a general-purpose language model and does not possess domain-specific knowledge. For research papers requiring specialized terminology and deep understanding of a particular subject, using ChatGPT alone might result in superficial or incorrect information.
9. Lack of feedback and guidance: A significant part of academic research involves feedback and guidance from instructors or advisors. Relying solely on ChatGPT can deprive you of valuable feedback that helps improve your writing skills.
10. Missed learning opportunities: Research paper writing is a valuable skill that contributes to academic growth and personal development. Relying on ChatGPT 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 ChatGPT as a supplementary tool to aid your research and writing process. Here's how you can use it effectively:

1. Information Gathering: Use ChatGPT 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.
2. Outline Assistance: Ask ChatGPT for ideas to structure your paper or create an outline. It can help you organize your thoughts and arguments.
3. Fact-Checking: Verify information you find through ChatGPT by cross-referencing it with reputable sources.
4. Proofreading and Editing: After writing your paper, use ChatGPT to review and suggest improvements in grammar, sentence structure, and clarity.

In summary, while ChatGPT and other chatbots like Google Bard and Microsoft Bing 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, consider seeking guidance from your instructors, professors, or librarians."

Thanks, ChatGPT!