Finding Sources Basics: Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT

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What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence "which interacts in a conversational way. The dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer followup questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests" (Open AI, n.d.).

The topic of artificial intelligence and tools like Chat GPT is huge. There are many ways that these tools can and are being used by students, librarians, and researchers. We do not have enough time to cover it all here, but there are some things that you should consider if you are using tools like Chat GPT for your own work.

At the time of writing this page:

  • ChatGPT does not have access to the Internet, and is only pulling from information from 2021 and prior.
  • ChatGPT is supposed to engage in a way that seems like it is human, but that does not mean that is supposed to be accurate.
  • ChatGPT does not have common sense, and does not have access to the background knowledge we have as humans; this can be reflected in how it responds.
  • ChatGPT is trained from a huge amount of data, but that data could and does have biases, prejudices, and assumptions which can be reflected in its responses.
  • ChatGPT is really good at providing citations that seem that they are real, which may include real person(s) as authors, real journal titles, but a fake article.

There are other things to consider, but ultimately, ChatGPT is another tool that you can consider using to support developing your strategies for finding and using information, but should not be used for writing, and doing assignments for you.

For more support with using Generative AI in Library Research and Learning, visit UBC Library's GenAI and ChatGPT Library Guide.


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