Generative AI for Research

What is generative AI good for?

  • Brainstorming ideas and exploring related subjects 
  • Helping to narrow or broaden topics
  • Generating related keywords for searching
  • Creating Boolean keyword search strategies
  • Suggesting possible sources and search tools
  • Proposing organizational strategies for research results

Is AI useful for business research?

  • AI can be helpful for secondary research.
  • However, writing effective prompts and evaluating the sources found by AI is vital (and can be time-consuming).
  • AI cannot access proprietary subscription databases, but it can suggest an appropriate database and possible strategies.

Tips for Searching with Generative AI

When using AI as a search engine, ALWAYS

  • Request source links and follow up on them
  • Remember, not all sources found by AI are reliable.
  • Evaluate the sources and determine whether they pass the CARP test.
  • Cite the source, not the AI tool used to find it.
  • Use effective prompts.

Tips for Effective Prompts

Be clear and specific.

  • Vague: "Information on logistics"
  • Clear and specific:  "Reliable sources with current information on supply chain and logistics strategies for athletic shoes in North America, with sources and links. Don’t include Reddit, Wikipedia, or other crowdsourced sites as sources." 

Describe the context, the task, and the goal, along with any other relevant details.

  • Example: "Create a list of recent, reliable sources of information on socio-cultural trends affecting the nonprofit sector, appropriate for a professional report to a management consulting client."

Specify the desired output format.

  • Examples include comparison tables, outlines, or bulleted lists.

Give positive instructions.

  • Effective: "avoid jargon and slang"
  • Less effective: "use standard English in a clear, professional, academic style 

Always ask for sources and links.
Follow up with additional criteria. Keep revising your prompt or asking further questions until the results meet your needs.

Evaluating AI Search Results

Remember:

  • AI is not sentient (it is incapable of exercising judgment). 

  • AI generates text, not wisdom.

  • Evaluate every source and compare the information to authoritative sources.