Check your syllabus for a statement about ChatGPT or AI from your professor first. If there is no statement, ask your professor before using any AI tools in your coursework. Unauthorized use of AI could be considered cheating.
To avoid plagiarism, it is necessary to cite any quotes, paraphrasing and ideas you get from AI, just as you would with other sources. Some professors may also want you to explain how you used AI in completing the assignment and/or turn in the content the AI tool generated.
AI tools such as ChatGPT may make up credible-sounding citations to sources that do not exist, which is called “hallucinating.” Make sure you locate the full source and read it before using it in your research project.The research specialists at Jackson Library can help you track down any source and even find prof-approved, academic sources for any paper or project. It's what we do!
Tracking down sources found in using AI is very difficult. Many sources found in your results may be hidden behind paywalls. Some sources are not of strong quality in terms of academic study, which is difficult to judge with limited experience with journals and scholarly content in the subject area being studied.
A quick trip to the library or chat with a library research specialist can quickly clarify solid sources for your topic. Why be in doubt when you have academic specialists to help guide you?
