Generative AI is a form of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning to ingest and study vast amounts of data and is then trained to create new content based on that data. Generative AI uses algorithms to observe patterns in the training data and create new data mimicking those patterns. Generative AI can create text, images, and even audio (and music!) and video.
In the course of your research, you may encounter text-based "research assistants" such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. These platforms are tools that you can use to locate sources for your assignment, but they are not sources themselves.
| Examples of Search Tools | Examples of Sources |
|---|---|
| OneSearch | Books |
| Library databases | Articles |
| Google Scholar | Websites |
| Generative AI platforms (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, etc.) | Statistical reports |
For your SOCW 430 assignment, the sources you will mostly be using are statistical data for your community assessment, and journal articles and certain websites (such as professional and non-profit organizations or government institutions) for finding evidence-based practices.
Remember: Sources should be REAL, RECENT, RELEVANT and RELIABLE. Any source that you cite for this assignment should be a permanent, verifiable/traceable source with a clear author and/or publishing body.
You may have heard that AI is not a trustworthy source of information. In certain situations, it can be. It all has to do with the way the technology works. Watch this video to learn more about AI-generated summaries in your search results online, and why you can't always trust them.
Generative AI is best used as search tool when doing research - similar to Google Scholar. However, for this assignment, you should not cite an AI-generated summary. These responses are specific to each individual user and prompt and may not be easy to trace or duplicate. Instead, a good AI research assistant tool should provide citations for how it found its answer - so look for the original source (website, article, book, etc.) and use/cite that instead.
| Doing background research | Not sure where to start? Generative AI can be a helpful tool to learn more about a subject before digging into a research project. AI can provide quick overview information on a subject for your own edification - but you shouldn't use or cite this content in your final work. |
| Finding & citing statistics | Your librarian doesn't recommend using generative AI to locate and cite statistical data. AI can hallucinate incorrect information. Even in a best-case scenario, you need to always verify and trace the source of the AI's response. It is better to just go straight to the source itself. The Resources for Community Statistics page of this LibGuide has several great, librarian-recommended sources of statistical information - so start here instead. |
| Finding evidence-based practices | Generative AI can be useful in locating evidence-based practices. You can use these tools similarly to Google Scholar to locate scholarly articles and other sources published freely on the web. But don't stop there. Remember that many articles are hidden behind paywalls and only available through a subscription at your library. Use the Researching Evidence-Based Practices page of this LibGuide to connect to library databases and expand your search. |