25 Module Three: Understanding Generative AI Tools for Research
Overview
- Introduction to major AI tools for writing and research
- Virtual Workshop (Remote live session available): Hands-on exploration of basic AI functions
- Week Three Video Discussion (Prompt Exercise 1) Due Sunday
3.01 AI and Research Lecture
Watch this brief video lecture (created with Claude.ai and PowerPoint/Copilot):
3.02 Read Cyborgs and Centaurs
Read the following chapters (and pay special attention to the “You Try It” purple boxes):
3.03 Explore Research Policies and AI
Visit the University of Michigan’s AI and Data website to review their policies on the use of LLMs in academic writing and research. https://midas.umich.edu/research/research-resources/generative-ai-hub/users-guide/#writing
Then review at least two academic journal publications for their AI use guidelines. Summarize the guidelines using an AI tool, then check the summary for accuracy.
- Springer Nature journals prohibit the use of generative AI to generate images for manuscripts; texts generated by LLM should be well documented, and AI is not granted authorship.
- Science journals require full disclosure for the use of generative AI to generate text; generative AI-generated images and multimedia can be used only with explicit permission of their editors. AI is not granted authorship.
- JAMA and the JAMA network journals do not allow generative AI to be listed as authors. However, generative AI generated content or assistance in writing / editing are allowed in manuscripts but should be reported in the manuscript.
- Elsevier permits the use of AI tools to enhance text readability but not creating or altering scientific content. Authors should provide full disclosure of the use of AI. It prohibits the use of AI to generate or alter images, unless this is part of the research method. AI authorship is not allowed.
- IEEE mandates disclosure of all AI-generated content in submissions, exceptI for editing and grammar enhancement.
- The International Conference on Machine Learning prohibits content generated by generative AI, unless it is part of the research study being described.
3.04 Discussion: Evaluating AI Generated Research Resources
This week, we’ll explore how AI tools can help identify research resources while practicing critical evaluation skills.
- 🤖 Ask your preferred AI tool this prompt: “I need to research [choose your topic] for a college paper. Please provide:
- 3 academic journals in this field
- 3 major databases for scholarly articles
- 3 professional organizations related to this topic
- 2 recent books (published in the last 5 years)
- 2 leading scholars in this field”
- 😀 Verification Task: Choose 3 resources (at least one must be a journal article) from the AI’s list and verify their:
- Existence and accessibility
- Credibility and relevance
- Currency (are they still active/available?) Share what you discovered during verification. Were the AI’s suggestions accurate? What challenges did you encounter?
- Conclude with a reflection on what you learned about AI and research through this process.
3.05 Discussion: Precision Searching with AI Support
For our second discussion this week, we will explore the use of AI in precision searching.
- 🤖 Try the AI tool of your choice with this prompt: “What are the key search terms and Boolean operators I should use to research [your topic] in academic databases? Please suggest specific search strings.”
- 😀 Test one of the suggested search strings in Google Scholar or your college library database. Share:
-
- How well did the search string work? Provide one example of a source you liked (APA documentation style)
- What (if any) modifications did you need to make?
- What did you learn about AI’s ability to help with research strategies?
3.06 Unit One Video Assignment: LLM Research
Your Task:
Create a 3-5 minute informal screen recording demonstrating how to effectively use an AI tool for academic research using the video tool of your choice (here’s a list of screen recording tools if you need suggestions). I am not expecting you to script this assignment, nor am I grading for production values. I just want to see you walk me through your research task with an LLM.
Requirements:
- Choose one research task (examples):
- Generating research questions about a topic
- Breaking down a complex academic concept
- Finding and evaluating sources
- Outlining a research paper
- Show and explain:
- Your initial prompt
- How you refine the prompt based on the AI’s response
- How you verify or question the AI’s output
- At least one limitation you discovered
- Conclude with 2-3 specific tips for other students using this tool
Submission Details:
Please submit your assignment as a link to your video.
