28 Module Six: AI in Academic Research: Gathering and Organizing Sources

Overview

• Tools for AI-supported research and data organization
• Practical application: Using AI to build a research database
• No discussion this week!

6.01 Using Zotero with AI

If you’re brand new to Zotero (this is me–yes, I know I have a doctorate already and should know how to use Zotero, but better late than never!), this video will walk you through how to manage your references in Zotero.

6.02 Using Notebook LM to Organize Sources

Here’s an overview of NotebookLM (my personal favorite data management tool for sources right now).

6.03 Assignment: Using AI to Manage Research

Claude and I have REALLY been going back and forth on this week’s assignment! It’s a big one, and it’s also experimental, so I would really appreciate your feedback and questions as you work on this. Because this is a fairly large assignment that should take you about seven hours to complete (even with AI), I decided to cut the usual discussion for this week. Please use the extra time on locating sources and creating your research database. This assignment is designed to prepare you for the culminating assignment if you choose the academic paper option, so please select a research topic that is personally interesting to you (ideally the one you started with in Week Five, but it’s not too late to change topics if you want to).

AI-Assisted Research Database Assignment

Total Points: 100

Due: Sunday 11:59 pm

Overview

Choose ONE of the following approaches to create a comprehensive research database for your chosen topic from Week 5:

Option 1: NotebookLM Research Database & AI Podcast Create an organized research collection in NotebookLM that synthesizes your sources and generates an analytical podcast about your research journey.

Option 2: AI-Enhanced Zotero Database Develop a structured research database using Zotero and AI tools (Claude or ChatGPT) to organize, annotate, and analyze your sources.

OPTION 1: NotebookLM Approach 🤖 Technical Requirements:

1. Create a new NotebookLM notebook
2. Import at least 15 scholarly sources (PDFs)
3. Generate AI summaries of each source
4. Create thematic connections across sources
5. Have NotebookLM generate a podcast script synthesizing your research

😀Your Tasks:

1. Organize sources into meaningful categories
2. Review and verify AI-generated summaries
3. Add your own analytical notes
4. Evaluate the AI-generated podcast script
5. Write a reflection (500 words) on the process

OPTION 2: Zotero + AI Approach 🤖 Technical Requirements:

1. Create organized Zotero collection
2. Save at least 15 scholarly sources
3. Using your preferred LLM, generate AI annotations for each source
4. Create AI-suggested tags and categories
5. Develop AI-assisted synthesis of main themes

😀 Your Tasks:

1. Set up logical folder structure in Zotero
2. Verify and edit AI annotations
3. Add personal analysis notes
4. Apply and create relevant tags
5. Write a reflection (500 words) on the process

Submission Requirements (Both Options):

Please compile a single Word document that includes the following information:

1. Screenshots of your organized database
2. Exported Works Cited (APA References is also acceptable if you prefer APA to MLA)
3. Three sample source annotations
4. Database overview note including:
   • Research topic summary
   • Main themes identified
   • Gaps in current research
   • Potential research directions
5. Process reflection (500 words)
6. Examples of AI prompts used and how you modified suggestions

Important Storage Notes:

• Zotero provides 300MB free storage (approximately 100-150 PDFs)
• Save PDFs locally – you’ll need them for either approach
• Optional paid Zotero storage: 2GB ($20/year), 6GB ($60/year), Unlimited ($120/year)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Database organization and structure (25%)
• Quality of annotations and analysis (25%)
• Integration of AI and human insight (25%)
• Reflection depth (15%)
• Technical proficiency (10%)

Timeline Suggestion:

• Days 1-2: Tool setup and source collection
• Days 3-4: Annotation and organization
• Days 5-6: Synthesis and reflection
• Day 7: Final review and submission