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ART 1020: Surface & Process: Research Questions and AI

Using Generative AI for Brainstorming and Refining a Research Question

What is Generative AI?

“Generative AI refers to the branch of artificial intelligence focused on creating content, such as text,
 images, and music, that mimics human-like creativity. It utilizes machine learning models to generate new, 
previously unseen outputs based on the patterns and data it has been trained on.” – ChatGPT 4.0, 4/9/24

Step 1: Give Context

If you’re asking someone for advice, they’ll need some context for best results. Same with 
GenAI! Tell it who you are and what your situation is.

Some examples could be:

  • I'm a first-year college student and I need to write a paper about [topic].
  • I'm writing a college paper and I need to refine my research question.
  • I'm researching [topic] and I need to find some good keywords or phrases to use in my library's databases.

Step 2: Give it a role or persona

Try assigning the Gen AI a role or persona. This sets the stage for helping it understand what you need it to do for you. 

Some examples could be: 

  • You are an academic librarian.
  • Act as a writing coach.
  • Pretend you're a [topic] expert.

Step 3: Provide instructions

Tell it exactly what you want it to do. Think of AI as a tutor or coach that can help you help yourself.

Some examples could be:

  • Walk me through some ways I can narrow down this topic.
  • Give me three pointers on how I can refine this research question.
  • Come up with a list of five possible keywords or phrases I could use to search my library's databases.

Step 4: Put it all together!

Context + Persona + Instructions = Amazing AI Prompt (and results)!

Some examples:

  • I’m researching celebrity culture and social media and I need to narrow down my topic. Act as a writing coach. Walk me through some ways I can narrow down this topic.
  • I’m writing a college level paper and I need to refine this research question: What negative impacts will the next generation face in terms of climate change? Pretend you’re a climate change expert. Give me 3 pointers on how I can refine this question.

Step 5: Continue the Conversation

Don’t like the answer AI gave you? Confused? Want more details on a specific part/point? Just ask!

Some ways to continue the conversation with AI:

  • I like suggestion #2. Can you expand a little more on that?
  • This isn't really what I meant. I actually meant _____.
  • I'm confused about what you said. Can you repeat that in simpler terms?

Source

This guide and worksheet is adapted from Using Generative AI Responsibly for Brainstorming and Refining a Research Question from Sarah Hood at Santa Fe Community College

Generative AI Apps