RESEARCH TIPS
Investigating with AI
AI isn’t going anywhere – so learn to make it work for you. Tarja Moles looks at using artificial intelligence for research
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ‘intelligence’ of machines or software as opposed to human or animal intelligence.
AI technology has been used in different ways for decades now, but generative/ creative tools – such as ChatGPT (www.chatgpt.com) – have only been available for the public for just over a year.
These types of chatbots, based on large language models, offer a different way to approach and do research.
How can AI help?
Different AI tools allow you to do different things. Depending on what you’d like help with, you may want to explore one or more tools.
If you’re just getting started and have trouble clarifying your research question and/or research plan, see what an AI chatbot has to say about it. For example, ChatGPT allows you to write your question(s) or request(s) in the text input field, and it replies promptly and politely. It’s surprisingly good at suggesting ideas, listing different options and providing advice. You can also use it throughout your research process to get more ideas and guidance.