Generative Artificial Intelligence: Home

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.

 

 

 

 

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).

 

 

 

Before using generative AI tools for your assignments, it's crucial to carefully review your assignment brief. The brief will provide specific guidelines on what is expected, including whether the use of generative AI is appropriate.

• Follow the guidelines: Your brief will outline the requirements and expectations for your work. Make sure you understand whether AI-generated content is allowed and under what conditions.
• Clarify with your lecturer: If the brief does not explicitly mention the use of generative AI, or if you are unsure about its appropriateness, seek clarification from your lecturer. It's better to ask than to assume.
• Understand the limitations: Even if AI use is permitted, be aware of its limitations and ensure that you are still meeting the academic standards required for your work.
• Use AI as a supplementary tool: If allowed, use generative AI to complement your research and writing, but do not rely on it as your primary source. Always cross-check AI-generated information with credible academic sources.
• Maintain academic integrity: Ensure that your use of AI tools aligns with the principles of academic integrity. Properly attribute any AI-generated content and be transparent about its use in your work.

 

 

Use of Generative AI should be cited and referenced as a personal communication as the information produced is only available to you.

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In-text citation example:

When asked for a definition of academic integrity, OpenAI’s ChatGPT (2024) response was ‘the commitment to honesty, fairness, and responsibility in academic work, ensuring originality and proper attribution’ (Open AI ChatGPT, 2024). See Appendix 1 for a copy of this response.

OR

A definition of academic integrity is ‘the commitment to honesty, fairness, and responsibility in academic work, ensuring originality and proper attribution’ (Open AI ChatGPT, 2024). See Appendix 1 for a copy of this response.

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The information you need to include for a reference:

• Name of AI
• (Year of communication),
• Medium of communication and receiver of communication, (personal communication, day/Month)

Reference list example:

Open AI ChatGPT (2024), ChatGPT response to Fred Bassett, (personal communication, 14th September)

Your lecturer may require you to acknowledge use of AI in your written work through a declaration. This is a personal statement which should be inserted into your assignment after your reference list. Save a copy of any questions and responses in a non-editable format. Screenshots work well for this.

What to include:

• Name of AI tools used
• An explanation of how the AI tool was used
• A list of prompts or questions used
• Screenshots of responses

Please find suggested examples below:

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Example 1

Name of AI Tool Used: ChatGPT

Explanation of How the AI Tool Was Used: ChatGPT was used to generate initial ideas and outlines for the essay on climate change. The AI provided background information and suggested key points to include in the discussion.

List of Prompts or Questions Used:

1. "What are the main causes of climate change?"
2. "Provide an outline for an essay on the impacts of climate change."
3. "What are some recent studies on climate change mitigation?"

Screenshots of Responses: (Include screenshots of the AI responses here)

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Example 2

Name of AI Tool Used: Bard

Explanation of How the AI Tool Was Used: Bard was utilised to gather information on the historical context of the Industrial Revolution. The AI provided summaries of key events and figures, which were then cross-referenced with academic sources.

List of Prompts or Questions Used:

1. "Summarise the key events of the Industrial Revolution."
2. "Who were the major figures in the Industrial Revolution?"
3. "What were the social impacts of the Industrial Revolution?"

Screenshots of Responses: (Include screenshots of the AI responses here)

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Example 3

Name of AI Tool Used: Bing AI

Explanation of How the AI Tool Was Used: Bing AI was used to find relevant articles and data for a research paper on renewable energy. The AI provided links to recent studies and summarised their findings.

List of Prompts or Questions Used:

1. "Find recent studies on renewable energy."
2. "Summarise the benefits of solar power."
3. "What are the latest advancements in wind energy technology?"

Screenshots of Responses: (Include screenshots of the AI responses here)

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Remember: Always check your brief or discuss with your lecturer if you are unsure whether to include a declaration.

For further support, speak to your programme team, or email us at learningskills@wrexham.ac.uk

You can also watch this video for Wrexham University's guidance on the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence:

 

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.]