Think of ChatGPT as a "helper" when conducting library research. While it cannot do the research for you, it can assist in the research process and open up new avenues for finding information! The following tips can assist you in utilizing ChatGPT for research purposes.
AI Tools Can:
- Gather background information on a topic to brainstorm and narrow down a research topic.
- Provide sample research questions that you can refine and make your own.
- Provide synonyms, antonyms, and keywords so you can conduct deeper research on a topic, or are unable to find sources based on the keywords you have used.
- Find new areas to check for information about a topic.
Other Tips
- When you want to change the subject while using an AI tool, start a brand new chat so it will not confuse or combine the two topics.
- Don't ask ChatGPT for a list of sources on a subject, because the tool will make them up. You will want to use library databases for this!
- Selecting an output format can make it easier to understand the answers to your prompts.
- View your chat history to help you remember what topics you've already prompted.
- NEVER enter any personal identifying information into an AI tool (email address, phone number, social security number, bank information, etc.) to protect yourself!
