Ways to use GenAI in research

Important Note: AI can amplify bias by mimicking the language used in an AI prompt and integrating it into its output response, so you should critically evaluate AI-generated content and cross-check information against primary sources to avoid reinforcing preexisting biases.

Ask it for definitions

If you need a concept explained or defined, ChatGPT (or a similar tool) can provide that explanation in as detailed or simple a manner as you would like. It can provide you with a variety of definitions, descriptions, and explanations -- but be sure to evaluate them carefully to ensure they are related to your information need or context.

Ask it for summaries and analyses of research articles

Check out the video below to see techniques and prompts you can use in Bing AI to get the most out of research articles!

Ask it for feedback on your writing

ChatGPT (or a similar tool) can be another source of feedback. You can copy/paste your work into ChatGPT and ask it to review your writing for errors. It will provide a list of suggestions that you can use to improve your writing. You can also ask it how to fix errors. Ask, "What is a comma spliace and how do I fix it?" and ChatGPT will explain the error and ways to correct it. Note: AI tools should not replace human feedback. It is always recommended that you seek human feedback. If you are at CSUN, consider making an appointment with tutors at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) who are available both in person and via Zoom.

Ask it for insight into brainstorming solutions to complex problems

ChatGPT can generate ideas or list possible solutions for problems or questions that are complex or difficult to solve. Try asking, "How do we solve [problem]?" and see if it inspires you to change the world.

Tips for writing effective AI prompts

NOTE: AI tools will collect data on you. Please do not share personal information that you do not want collected.

Below is a prompt to obtain guidance on writing prompts for use with AI. The prompt was submitted to the AI chat service, You.com on January 31, 2024. Try the links provided in the generated text at the end of each listed item to obtain more in-depth information.

Prompt: I need tips for writing effective prompts for use with generative AI tools.

Generated answer:

"Tips for Writing Effective Prompts for Generative AI Tools

Writing effective prompts is crucial for getting the desired output from generative AI tools. Here are some tips to help you craft effective prompts:

Be specific: Provide as much detail as possible about the topic you want the AI model to generate content on. This includes contextualizing the topic with information about the audience, tone, and timeframe 1.
Contextualize the prompt: Clearly define the context in which you want the AI model to generate content. This helps guide the AI model's output and influences its tone, style, and quality 2.
Use descriptive language: Use descriptive language in your prompts to provide the AI model with more information and improve the quality of the generated outputs 3.
Include subject and descriptors: When writing prompts for AI image generation, include a subject (person, object, or location) and descriptors (adverbs and adjectives that describe the subject). This helps the AI model understand what type of visual you want to generate 4.
Avoid abstract concepts: Abstract concepts can lead to inconsistent results when generating content. Instead, use concrete nouns that are easier for the AI model to understand 4.
Experiment and iterate: Writing effective prompts may require some trial and error. Don't be afraid to experiment with different prompts and iterate until you get the desired output.

Remember, the quality of the outputs you receive from generative AI tools is heavily influenced by the prompts you provide. By following these tips, you can improve the effectiveness of your prompts and enhance the results you get from generative AI tools."

References and additional resources

CSUN: Artificial Intelligence Guide

McGill University: Artificial Intelligence Guide

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