As you begin your studies and research papers, note that research is a process. Your experience with the steps outlined below may differ in order and might even repeat as you complete research, papers, and projects. 

You will likely use library resources such as PittCat and library databases to conduct background research, refine your topic, and search for sources. If you have any questions, please be sure to Ask Us!

AI - Artificial Intelligence - is a broad field of study with roots in computer science and mathematics, with interdisciplinary contributions from philosophy, linguistics, and more. In the past few years, a branch of this field - Generative AI (Gen AI) and its Large Language Models (LLMs) - has become widespread with different tools available through technologies we use every day including our cell phones, laptops, search boxes, and social media. 

• Gen AI is trained using a Large Language Model which includes expansive data sets (often publicly available information on the internet) and functions with human-like responses in conversation-like methods.  
• Gen AI generates text, images, and sound based on its training data and user inputs, by algorithmically (mathematically) predicting the likelihood of the next word or item. 
• Outputs of Gen AI most commonly include text and images but can include video, podcasts, music, art, and computer code.  

There are beneficial ways to use AI and Gen AI in your research process. You can use Gen AI for brainstorming, understanding difficult concepts, gathering background information, and looking for new perspectives on a topic.  

As these tools become more integrated in our lives, the ethical use of Gen AI in your work is not always clear. You must use critical thinking skills to evaluate Gen AI outputs, data sources, and reliability. You should be transparent about your use of Gen AI and not claim its work as your own. As the technology changes, the acceptable use of AI tools may change. Keep up to date with acceptable use rules in your classes and at Pitt.