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AI tools in information searching: GenAI – ChatGPT, Copilot

ChatGPT, Copilot, and other generative AI applications

ChatGPT, Copilot, and other generative AI applications Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) applications are trained with huge masses of text. Apps can be prompted and respond to user-entered text input. In other words, it is as if you can have a dialogue with applications on a topic that the user wants. They generate responses based on the texts they learn based on a statistical model. Simply put, apps can be compared to predictive text input on your phone. So they know nothing.

For example, the free ChatGPT does not have access to the internet and cannot be used as a data source. It also cannot judge the reliability of the text it produces and can claim to be false or self-invented things (hallucination). OpenAI has not disclosed any information about the data used to train ChatGPT. It is also worth remembering that AI models are biased.

Language models combined with a search engine

Combining the language model with the internet and a search engine enables the language model to answer based on internet searches. E.g. ChatGPT+plugins, Bing Chat, Google Bard, Perplexity.ai, You.com and Scite.ai.

Policy:

  • The language model interprets the user's question and possibly reformulates it.
  • According to the understanding of the model, the search engine is fed suitable search terms through the software interface.
  • The search engine returns the best results for the language model.
  • The language model answers the question based on the sources it receives.

Even in this case, the language model can hallucinate or misinterpret sources. So be source critical. Most tools require you to sign in.

Applications of generative AI to aid information retrieval

Orientation to the topic

  • You can use GenAI app as an inspiration tool when brainstorming and formulating a research question. Be prepared for the fact that it may include prejudiced assumptions in the discussion. And remember that it has been trained with data until 2021, it does not have information about the latest research results.

Search preparation

  • GenAI app can help you find good keywords for your information search. It's a good idea to ask ChatGPT to complete its list of keywords several times, rather than settling for the first answer. However, note that it does not replace the need to familiarize yourself with thesauri and key words used by experts of the field.
  • GenAI app can help you identify tools or databases suitable for your topic. Please note that it may not provide a comprehensive answer from the available databases. It also can't tell you if our library subscribes to a particular database.
  • GenAI app is not trained to formulate search phrases for scientific information. If you ask it to build search phrases for you, you will probably have to edit and reformat them.

How to perform a search

  • GenAI app cannot help you with the actual information retrieval. It does not know how to search for information systematically and transparently.
  • You cannot use text generated by GenAI app as an information source.
  • GenAI app is unable to provide correct sources for the texts it writes. It can produce a bibliography when requested, but usually the references are incorrect or completely fabricated.
  • GenAI app does not know how to provide working search phrases to different databases.

Evaluation of results

  • You cannot use GenAI app to evaluate search results. The evaluation of information is based on criteria that you consider relevant. As the information seeker, you need to decide whether the source is relevant to your work or not.
  • However, you can use GenAI app to clarify and translate difficult texts, as it is good for condensing or reformatting text. However, be source critical, i.e. do not believe everything and remember that the service may present biased views.
  • Even though creating a summary or translation of text from, for example, an e-book or article is conveniently done with AI tools, it may not necessarily be permitted in terms of use.

Citing and references

  • Some GenAI apps are unable to provide correct references for the texts it writes. It can produce a bibliography when requested, but usually the references are incorrect or fake.
  • Also, GenAI app is not able to generate bibliographies according to citation styles. Reference managers like Mendeley, Zotero, and the like are good tools for that purpose.

Should I refer to GenAI app?

  • If you have used GenAI app in your work, you should mention it. Check your university's instructions.
  • Writing your own texts (answers to assignments, essays, etc.) with GenAI app is considered plagiarism or dishonesty in most educational institutions, even if you cite GenAI app as a source.
  • If you use text generated by GenAI app as research material, you will find instructions on how to mark the origin of the text, e.g. https://www.scribbr.com/ai-tools/chatgpt-citations/.
    • For example, a reference according to the APA 7th style could look like this:
      OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (14.3rd version) [Language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Copilot

Microsoft Copilot (formerly Bing Chat) is a conversational AI application. The language model of the Copilot is GPT-4 and the image model is DALL-E 3. The app is available in the sidebar of the Edge browser or at https://copilot.microsoft.com/. 

When you sign in with your organizational account, you gain access to the Enterprise data protection in Copilot version ensuring better data privacy. Once you have signed in with your university credentials:

  • Microsoft does not store the content of your conversations.
  • Microsoft does not use the content of your conversations to train AI models.
  • The information entered into the service is not stored anywhere, and no one other than the user can see the conversations.

ChatGPT

Take privacy into account

When using AI applications, always consider how they handle the data you enter. As a rule, all material entered into AI services is stored outside the EU/EEA and cannot be removed from it. For example, personal data, business secrets, confidential information or confidential information may not be entered into the services.

Learn how to limit the use of your feeds to train AI in ChatGPT.

Use of Electronic Resources

When using AI based information retrieval tools, the terms of use of e-resources must be taken into account.