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Research Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widely adopted, offering new opportunities and streamlining daily tasks. Programs like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, CoPilot, Midjourney, and DALL-E are exciting and powerful tools with an impressive ability to produce content. Here is what to consider as you use AI in your academic work. 

WHAT IS AI?

Generative AI tools based on large language models (LLM) are trained on massive datasets so that they can generate responses to a wide variety of prompts. These tools can produce text, audio, images, video, code, presentations, and more. Other types of AI tools are based on small language models (SLM) and used for more specific purposes.

All AI tools are rapidly developing and require careful evaluation for responsible and ethical use. Many of them come with limitations such as currency, bias, and veracity of information. Learning how to thoughtfully and strategically use and manage AI tools will help you develop your skills, refine your work, and prepare you for your future career.

Using AI in Your Assignments

Check the syllabus or confirm with your instructor that your intended use of AI is acceptable.

See UNE’s policy on Academic Integrity, UNE’s Guidance for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Research [PDF], and the AI-U Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence.

Evaluate Carefully

AI programs can sometimes produce inaccurate, outdated, or false information, called hallucinations, and have been shown to create realistic looking citations to articles which do not exist. Also, because these programs were developed and trained by humans, bias may be present in the language and answers provided. Evaluate any AI-generated information or references carefully, as you would any other source.

Citing Generative AI

If you use AI generated content in your work, you must acknowledge its use within your text. Be sure to verify factual information in other credible sources and check references to make sure they are real.  

As AI is continually developing, so are the rules for citing AI-generated content. See our citation style guides for guidance on citing AI or:

For Faculty

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning’s (CETL) has published resources on using AI in Education.

Questions & Help

If you have questions on this, or another topic, contact a librarian for help!