ChatGPT might not always be your best friend during your writing process. You could write down completely made-up references when using ChatGPT for academic writing, especially when searching for references. To help you navigate this, we’ve compiled some do’s and don’ts for using ChatGPT in your literature research. Plus, we’ll introduce you to other AI tools that might be even better for your needs!
Why Shouldn’t You Rely on the References that ChatGPT Provides You?
ChatGPT, while a powerful tool, is not a dedicated academic database. Its primary function is to generate human-like text based on patterns in the data it was trained on. When it comes to academic references, there are several considerations. Its references might be outdated, incomplete, or taken out of context. Moreover, it can occasionally produce fictitious references. Blindly adopting these sources in your work can land you in significant trouble. Are you curious about how to ace your assignment using AI? Read on…
Do’s and Don’ts When Using ChatGPT for your research
Do’s:
- Double-Check: Always verify the references provided by ChatGPT using trusted academic databases or journals.
- Use other AI tools: There are way better options for finding relevant sources with AI (explore these options below)
- Use as a Starting Point: ChatGPT can be great for brainstorming or getting a general overview of a topic.
Don’ts:
- Sole Reliance: Never rely solely on ChatGPT for academic references. Always cross-check.
- Assume Completeness: Don’t assume that the information provided is exhaustive or the most recent.
- Skip Verification: Never skip the step of verifying the authenticity and relevance of a source.
Our Favorite AI Tools to Find the Best Resources!
Elicit
At the Tilburg.ai team, we’ve encountered numerous tools to use in our research. But Elicit stands out from the rest. It’s not just another search tool; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about finding genuine academic papers and research. Simply input your query, and Elicit dives deep into the web, bringing back the most relevant scholarly articles. We believe it’s the best tool we’ve used so far. For a glimpse of its capabilities, click at the link!
Consensus.app
Consensus.app is a straightforward tool for anyone searching for research papers on a specific topic. Just type in your question or topic; the app will do the heavy lifting, searching the web for relevant references. It’s a real time-saver and a must-have for anyone diving into research.
