How to prompt AI to find reliable sources for a research paper

How to use AI for your research paper sources

Research papers require writers to base and organize their claims and thesis on facts. This propels writers to extensively evaluate potential sources and check their credibility, author credentials, and potential bias.

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To save time, AI can help sift through websites to streamline the research process. However, despite its ease, it’s critical to know how to effectively communicate to AI of what constitutes a reliable source. Remember: AI can make mistakes, and without explicit instructions, the sources provided may be unreliable.

To prompt AI to help find reliable sources, try the following:

Find thematically similar sources

Credible sources typically have a bibliography and in-text citations that serve as building blocks. You can request the AI platform to comb through credible sources for additional citations and related literature. This can considerably help simplify the research process by providing you with a suggested list of credible sources. Furthermore, it lends credibility to your work, as you’re citing a lineage of respected authors within your field of interest. Ask it to exclusively provide sources with an extensive bibliography to find new tangents to jump from in your research journey.

Provide information on authors’ credentials

A key component of a source’s credibility is the author’s credentials. Authors should be experts in their field—they need to have the career and academic experience to validate themselves. After you compile a list of sources, you can request AI to detail an author’s career and credentials to help you determine if they’re reliable. This may also illuminate potential biases in their work that stem from their personal history. It’s important to keep this information in mind as you consider what sources to include as their claims may not be entirely accurate.

Supply relevant sources to a research question

Communicate your research question and request relevant sources for evidence. AI tools review large datasets to compile information swiftly. You can use it to request sources that are relevant to answering your question, which can shorten the research process. You should still independently confirm their credibility to ensure they’re appropriate for your paper.

Summarize key points from a source

Are you trying to synthesize information from a verbose article or paper? AI can help summarize key points to make it easier to understand. Highlight relevant sections in your document and copy the passage into your AI tool. You can request it to clarify specific sections, communicate main ideas, extrapolate on certain points, and more.

Create citations

Need help with formatting some citations from a research article? Ask AI to help format your research sources in your preferred style, whether it’s MLA, Chicago Style, or APA.

For more ways AI can help improve your writing and research process, learn more everyday AI tips.