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PSYC 3015 Educational Psychology

This is a guide for Educational Psychology (PSYC 3015)

Chat GPT and other Generative AI in the Research Process

Using Generative AI as a Research and Course Assistance Tool

Generative AI, like ChatGPT, can be a helpful tool in your academic journey, but it’s important to use it wisely and responsibly. While it won’t replace traditional research methods, it can complement them in valuable ways. Here’s a guide on how to use generative AI effectively while staying aware of its limitations.

How Generative AI Can Help You

  1. Article Summaries:

    • If you’ve found an article through your library’s resources, you can paste the content or key sections into the AI for a concise summary. This saves time and helps you quickly understand the main ideas.
    • Tip: Always cross-check the AI’s summary with the actual text to ensure accuracy.

  2. Formatting Help:

    • AI tools can guide you in formatting citations, bibliographies, and essays according to styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
    • Tip: Double-check the AI’s formatting against official style guides or your professor’s requirements, as errors can happen.

  3. Identifying Gaps in Research:

    • AI can help you think critically by pointing out areas where your research might need more depth or suggesting additional questions to explore.
    • Tip: Use the AI’s suggestions as a starting point but validate them with trusted academic resources.

Important Warnings

  1. Hallucinations and Fake Information:

    • AI sometimes generates information that sounds plausible but is completely made up, including fake articles, studies, or data.
    • What to Do: Always verify any information the AI provides by cross-referencing it with legitimate sources, such as your school library, academic journals, or reputable websites.

  2. Not a Source Finder:

    • AI is not a substitute for library databases or scholarly search engines like JSTOR or PubMed, or OneSearch. These resources provide peer-reviewed and credible articles that AI cannot access.
    • What to Do: Use your library to find quality sources, and rely on AI for supplementary tasks like summarizing or brainstorming.

  3. Ethical Use:

    • Your professors expect original work that reflects your understanding and effort. Over-relying on AI might cross ethical boundaries or lead to unintentional plagiarism.
    • What to Do: Use AI as a guide, not as a shortcut to complete assignments.

Tips for Responsible AI Use

  • Start with Library Resources: Always begin your research with trusted academic databases provided by your school library. These contain reliable and peer-reviewed materials that AI cannot replicate.
  • Ask Specific Questions: When using AI, be clear and detailed in your prompts to get more relevant and accurate responses.
  • Verify Everything: Treat AI-generated information as a suggestion or starting point, not as fact. Validate everything with trusted sources.
  • Learn from AI: Use it to help you understand concepts, practice formatting, or brainstorm ideas, but ensure the final product is your own work.

Generative AI is a powerful tool when used thoughtfully, but it’s no replacement for genuine research skills and critical thinking. By combining AI’s capabilities with library resources and academic integrity, you’ll set yourself up for success while staying on the right side of responsible scholarship.