Why do you want to use an AI tool?
Is it for generating text or images to overcome the initial, so called, 'creators' block'? Or to get some inspirations and thoughts?
If you use it in your coursework and do not reference it correctly, you would be presenting it as your own work and you would be committing plagiarism, which is an academic offence. Be aware of the University's Academic Regulations and guidance on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
Know what AI tool you are using
Understand the capabilities and limitations of the tool you use. Does it use current information? What dataset was it based on? Have you checked any examples of good practice and any particular way of using it for any research project?
Fact check the output
Because AI tools can generate false information, you need to make sure that the accuracy of output is verifiable. That includes the references provided. Cross check author and title information on Library Search, Google Scholar, or citation tracking tools such as Web of Science.
How about bias?
Generative AI tools can provide biased outputs. The algorithm, as well the content curation mechanism, they use are written by humans. Therefore, there may be inherent biases that you need to be aware of such as racist, religious, sexist or discriminatory views. Also look out for unethical and fake information, propagation of hatred and intolerance, or harmful/inciting views.
AI tools can produce biased output as they are learning essentially from content on the internet, content that has been produced and written by humans. This content might be expressed in the following way as:
- racist
- sexist
- discriminatory
- unethical
- fake
- expressing hatred
- intolerance
- harmful or inciting to harm
Recent report "Review into bias in algorithmic decision-making" looks at the responsibilities around building in content in algorithms to try and reduce biases in all areas of our lives.
