AI Support: Student Resources

Things to keep in mind when using Generative AI in an Academic Setting

Academic Integrity

• Use Generative AI chatbots as a supplementary tool rather than a primary source. Avoid copy-pasting chatbot responses into your work.
• Always check with your instructor before using an AI chatbot to assist in your assignments, as instructor attitudes regarding its use can vary.

Limitations

• Some chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have knowledge cutoff dates and may not have information about current events or recent developments. While some chatbots can conduct internet searches in real time (ex. Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini) not all of them can, and instead rely on pre-existing data sets that must be updated.
• Chatbots can provide general overviews of a topic, but they may not always offer the depth of information required for advanced research.

Misinformation and Hallucinations

• Because many chatbots are pulling from information that was combed from the internet, not everything it outputs is accurate or factual. Always fact check information in chatbot responses, especially if it is a new concept or topic you are unfamiliar with.
• Sometimes chatbots will provide titles of books/articles and names of authors that do not exist. Always check to make sure a resource exists before requesting them from UW Libraries.

Prompt Engineering

When writing your prompts for a Generative AI chatbot, here are some things you can do to help get your desired output.

• Be Specific. Clearly state what information or assistance you need. The more specific your prompt is, the better your response will likely be. For example, be specific about the format by providing a word or paragraph count, a writing style or desired tone, or formatting details such as "make this a bullet-point list" or "make this a table. Also try assigning a role, such as a tutor or debate opponent or providing examples of the kind of response you are trying to achieve.
• Include Context. Mention relevant details such as an academic field, specific theories, or certain aspects of the field you are focusing on.
• Ask Follow-Up Questions. If the initial response isn't comprehensive, ask follow-up questions to get more details or clarification.

Practical Tips

• Use Iterative Questioning. A chatbot's first response typically won't be exactly what you're looking for. Go back and forth with the bot and refine your prompt to narrow down information and focus on specific aspects to coax out your desired response.
• Summarization. Use an AI chatbot to summarize complex topics or lengthy articles to grasp key points before diving into detailed research.
• Ask for Definitions. Ask for definitions or explanations of unfamiliar terms to build your understanding of a subject. 
• Generate Keywords or Search Terms. Use an AI chatbot to help come up with keywords or search terms to help you find books, articles, or other resources relevant to your research topic.

A handy flowchart created by AI for Education