Introduction to Generative AI
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Generative AI tools can seem like a quick and easy way to get information, but it's important to understand how they work and how reliable they are. This section explains what AI-generated content really is and how to use it responsibly in your academic work.
Introduction
At first glance, it might seem that generative AI tools do more than just search for information—they also compile and present it directly to you. When you input your prompt or question, the response is tailored specifically for you. This means you don't need to follow links to online resources or look up print sources; the information you need is right there for you.
However, it's crucial to understand that generative AI doesn't create information in the traditional sense. The process by which this information is generated significantly affects its reliability and authority, which in turn influences how you should use it in your academic work.
How it works
Imagine this process as assembling a jigsaw puzzle. If you put together a puzzle without paying attention to
the image on the box or the shapes of the pieces, you might end up with a complete picture, but it may not accurately represent the intended image. Similarly, the AI constructs responses by fitting text pieces together without considering the original sources or the context. While the result may look like a well-formed answer, its accuracy and reliability need to be carefully evaluated, especially in an academic setting (Adapted from University of Newcastle, 2023).
References
Newcastle University (no date), Generative AI as an Information Type. Available from: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/academic-skills-kit/information-and-digital-skills/ai-literacy/information-type/ [Accessed 7th February, 2025.]
