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POH 100: Professional Practice

ChatGPT and Library Research

Always read the course outline to understand your instructor’s expectations around use of AI - there is no standard approach at TMU; expectations will vary from course to course. If you’re unsure, check with your instructor.

TMU's Academic Integrity Office has also created a video to educate students on using AI ethically. 

What is ChatGPT not good at? 

  • ChatGPT is not a collection of published research (yet) - best to use Library databases, Google Scholar, etc.

  • It can create ‘hallucinations’, which are fake citations that don’t exist!

  • You’ll need to verify any sources that it offers

  • Avoid using ChatGPT to summarize a source, or write your literature review - may be inaccurate, make up conclusions

What is ChatGPT useful for?

  • Brainstorming keywords, synonyms, topic ideas for a paper

  • Recommending databases to use for your research

  • Asking questions without judgment (but be sure to fact check responses)

  • Some useful prompts:

    • What are some keywords for the topic of  X?

    • What are some good library databases to use for the topic of X?

    • Give it a role to play, e.g. act as a student:  I’m writing a paper for X class, and I need help coming up with a topic. Please give me a list of 10 topics

Further reading:

Student Guide to ChatGPT: https://libguides.library.arizona.edu/students-chatgpt/use

ChatGPT and Fake Citations: https://blogs.library.duke.edu/blog/2023/03/09/chatgpt-andfakecitations/#:~:text=ChatGPT%20is%20based%20on%20a,or%20write%20your%20literature%20review.