AI (short for Artificial Intelligence) is an emerging technology that focuses on using pools of collected knowledge to streamline processes and make finding specific bits of information easier to obtain or create. It operates in a way that mimics human intelligence, thinking about topics and info in a way a person would. 
Some common examples of AI include:
Generative AI: AI Tools that allow you to type in prompts to create (generate) an image, text, audio or visual.
General AI: A text prompt that lets you type in questions, ideas, or concepts for quick answers, summaries or deeper idea exploration (examples: ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, etc.)
AI Chatbots: AI tools that use installed/programmed data to try to emulate a human response to various topics. Used in a lot of companies with online/virtual help options
As a Primer for Background Information: Using AI prompts to find additional background info and sources for research topics. From the sources they provide, you should verify the links' accuracy and decide if they are academically sound. Most Search Engines have a built in AI service and will use it to give you the most relevant information related to your search with links attached (Click AI Overview example image below)
Improving Diction and Phrasing: Asking AI for synonyms or better ways to paraphrase your prose. This is a way of paraphrasing your ideas while building on/strengthening your vocabulary on your research topic/paper. AI prompts can give you options on how to write ideas, but it is ALWAYS UP TO YOU to write out those ideas.
Breaking a Writer's Block/Brainstorming Writing ideas: If you lack the focus and motivation, AI can be a useful tool to get your creative juices flowing. Using prompt engineering to elicit potential writing ideas could be a good way to get you focused on an idea or reigniting your passion to write. Due t the deep well of knowledge it holds, there's a good chance may present ideas and concepts you hadn't thought about until interacting with it.
A type of AI where systems learn from data to improve future performance without specific programming.
Process of typing phrases in an AI engine with the goal of extracting as much accurate information as possible. The more specific the prompt, the more detailed the AI response should be
A set of rules or instructions in a computer system that help AI systems analyze data and make decisions
An Algorithm/program that uses machine learning on different text with the purpose of processing tasks and language generation. Allows a user to essentially "talk" to LLMs to receive more specific information.
Copy and Pasting: You should NEVER EVER copy and paste information directly from an AI source. This information can be scanned and caught in many plagiarism detectors, and you will be punished for Academic Dishonesty (aka cheating). If you want to use information from an AI source it should be properly cited/sourced and either paraphrased or stated with quotations. Copying and Pasting AI sources can also be a form of Copyright Infringement (aka trying to use someone else's work as your own) so it's best to not do it.
Seen as an Easy Button: AI should be treated the same way as a Google Search or using Wikipedia. It's a great way to find information early in your research process, but NEVER used as the only resource in your writing. When used correctly, AI can act as a gateway to more resources that you may decide to use in your research
Seen as "always correct": Remember that ALL the info in AI comes from human users' input and is very prone to error (more examples of this in tab 2). You should NEVER assume any info AI gives you is 100% correct and should always double check that info by going to other sources to verify info. They're have been examples of lawyers using false information from AI for their work, which caused great confusion. ALWAYS double check and review any information obtained from AI tools.
1) Always cite/source references you got via AI: Citations shows proper use of info while avoiding serious issues like Copyright Infringement and Academic Dishonesty. Use A reference management system to collect, manage and cite sources you obtain.
2) Maximize Prompt Engineering to get the most out of your AI searches: Asking an extremely specific prompt or idea will give you more specific returns of information. This in turn will hopefully give you citations to the esoteric sources AI gives you
3) Paraphrase whenever possible: Whether you are using AI to improve your prose or want to explain information you received from AI; you should paraphrase whenever possible to avoid incidental plagiarism. If you can write and idea in your own words then you fully understand them. AI can be a tool to give you better word choices and phrasing options, but you are ultimately responsible for choosing and writing your words.
4) Understand that AI is trying to give you the MOST LIKELY answer, not one that is always correct: AI uses predictive programming to creates what sounds like the best answer; this does not mean what it produces is always correct! Double and triple-check any AI responses for accuracy.
