Research and Course Guides: Artificial Intelligence Tools for Research: Acknowledging AI Use

Acknowledging Use of AI-Generated Content

Why acknowledge the use of AI?

Acknowledging the use of AI tools in research is crucial for transparency and integrity. It adds a new dimension to the research process, influencing how information is generated and interpreted. Clearly stating the involvement of AI not only upholds academic honesty but also allows peers and educators to understand the unique methodology, contributing to an open and collaborative academic culture.

When to Acknowledge the use of an AI tool

Incorporating AI tools into assignments necessitates a clear acknowledgment of their use. This practice fosters an environment where the intersection of AI and academia is openly discussed, promoting a deeper understanding of the transformative impact these tools have on learning and research.

Verify with your instructor before using AI tools on assessments, as policies differ among instructors.

How to Acknowledge the use of AI

Regardless of which type of AI tool you use, you should acknowledge somewhere in your works cited page or another location specified by your instructor the use of AI.

Your acknowledgement should include the following:

A statement indicating the use of generative AI
Specify the tool used
A description of how information was generated
Identify the prompt(s) used
Explain the output's role in the work

Formatting your Acknowledgement

I acknowledge the use of [insert AI system(s) and link] to [specific use of generative artificial intelligence]. The prompts used include [list of prompts]. The output from these prompts was used to [explain use].

Examples

I acknowledge the use of ChatGPT 3.5, November 21 version (https://chat.openai.com/) to generate a brief description of 1-2 sentences describing the purpose of a LibGuide on artificial intelligence. I entered the following prompt on November 28, 2023:

Original Prompt: Good afternoon! Before we get started, I want you to understand the scope of what I need. I'm creating a Springshare LibGuide on Artificial Intelligence resources for teaching faculty that will be maintained by a university library. The purpose of the guide is to provide teaching faculty with resources on what artificial intelligence is, how artificial intelligence is used, how it can be used, AI and academic integrity, and how to cite work created using artificial intelligence.
Follow-Up Prompt: Great! I need to write a brief description of 1-2 sentences to give further insight into what the guide is about.
Follow-Up Prompt: Excellent. Now I want you to rewrite the above description using a more neutral tone.

The output from this prompt was refined and used as the description of a library resource guide on artificial intelligence.

I acknowledge the use of Bing Image Creator powered by DALL-E (https://www.bing.com/images/create) to generate an image of a large library. I entered the following prompt on November 28, 2023:

"A library as the center for learning"

The output from these prompts was used as a decorative image on a library resource guide on artificial intelligence.

I acknowledge the use of Claude (https://claude.ai/) to improve the organization and academic tone of my CV. I uploaded the text of my CV through Claude's attach a file feature and I entered the following prompt on September 29, 2023:

"For the attached document, suggest potential revisions to improve the organization of information and academic voice."

The output from these prompts was used to edit my draft CV. I used the suggestions to reorder some content and break up other sections of text to improve organization and the overall tone of the document.

No AI tools/technologies were used in the completion of this assignment.

AI Acknowledgement and Use in Academic Writing

There are some common expectations that are being adopted across journals recently:

Ethical use of AI: especially when there is data collection involved, analysis, or content generation.
Authorship & AI: the use of AI tools might be acknowledged in the methods or acknowledgments section of your article.
Originality and AI: Some journals have concerns of the content so they may request assurance that the manuscript is original, and that AI-generated content has not been used in a way that could breach academic integrity standards.
Peer review process: many journals now are using AI detecting tools in the peer review process for different purposes

To get originality report for plagiarism detection.
To get overall Stats analysis (data detection).
To get quality references report.

Recommendations for authors:

Check the journal's guidelines regarding the use of AI for specific information. (under for authors Tab or Publish with us)
Be transparent by disclosing AI assistance when it is relevant. Be clear of where and when did you use the AI tool (if any) and for what purpose.
Cite the AI tool or software in the acknowledge section or the research methodology section, so the journal will identify your academic integrity and transparency. This practice will also indicate your awareness of the ethical use of AI.

Credits

Information is modeled on AI policies from Monash University (Australia) and adapted from Newman University LibGuides.

Monash University. (n.d.). Policy and practice guidance around acceptable and responsible use of AI technologies. Retrieved August 1, 2023. https://www.monash.edu/learning-teaching/teachhq/Teaching-practices/artificial-intelligence/policy-and-practice-guidance-around-acceptable-and-responsible-use-of-ai-technologies

Newman University. (2023). AI-Generated Content: Student AI Disclosures. Retrieved November 28, 2023. https://newmanu.libguides.com/ai-disclosure

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