Many of the AI tools we'll be looking at still require at least one good source to serve as a starting point. Most won't have direct access to the articles they display either. So, it's still a good idea to know how to use the library's databases.

However, a big part of using library databases is knowing the right keywords to enter into a search. Generative AI like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are particularly good at helping to generate keyword ideas.

Whenever you use generative AI in your research, we need to be clear and direct about what we want. AI is most useful when we understand what we need and instruct the AI according to those needs. As a result, it's useful to structure your prompts like this:

• Give context

  • “I’m trying to research [topic] [for what class or purpose (optional)].”

  • AI is especially good at finding linguistic connections (like keywords), but it relies on context in order to generate those connections. So, explaining what you are trying to accomplish or why can be useful.

• Ask for something specific

  • “What are some keywords I can use to find [a specific kind of source or type of information] on this topic in library databases?”

  • Think about what you need in order to continue your own research. In this case, we need keywords to use in our library databases.

• Clarify how you want the AI to respond

  • “The keywords should be individual people, places, or concepts. Keep each response as short as possible.”

  •  

    We need to reign in the AI and keep it from rambling by imposing limitations. What format do these responses need to be in so that they are useful to us?

  • Add additional clarification based on the kind of keywords you need to do your own searches. If you don't like the responses the AI gives you, followup with additional clarification.

    • Ex.

      • "Can you give me more concept keywords?"

      • "What are some keywords related to the cinematic techniques used in this film?"

1. One potential strategy is to simply ask the AI of your choice for keywords based on your assignment and topic.

   

   Anonymous: I’m trying to research how poverty influences the social, mental, and physical well being of veterans for an undergraduate sociology class. What are some keywords I can use to identify scholarly journal articles on this topic? The keywords should be individual people, places, or concepts. Keep each response as short as possible."

   ChatGPT:

   1. Poverty
   2. Veterans
   3. Social well-being
   4. Mental health
   5. Physical health
   6. At-risk individuals
   7. Government policies
   8. Interventions

2. Choose 2-3 keywords to enter into a library database search.

   

3. Be sure to filter for the types of research you're looking for. Usually this means full text, scholarly & peer-reviewed, and journal articles.

   

   
    

1. Another option is to ask the AI for an outline based on your prompt or topic.

   

   Anonymous:  I’m trying to research how poverty influences the social, mental, and physical well being of veterans for an undergraduate sociology class. Create an outline for this topic. Be sure to detail strategies and suggestions for government policies and interventions meant to target at-risk individuals. Keep each bullet point as short as possible. Do not use complete sentences."

   ChatGPT:

   I. Introduction
   A. Definition of poverty
   B. Overview of veterans' challenges
   C. Thesis statement: Poverty significantly affects the social, mental, and physical well-being of veterans, and effective government policies and interventions are crucial for targeting at-risk individuals.

   II. Impact of Poverty on Social Well-being
   A. Isolation and loneliness
   B. Lack of community support
   C. Strategies for government interventions
   1. Community outreach programs
   2. Veteran-specific social clubs
   3. Mentorship opportunities

   [...]

2. The benefit here is that unlike when we asked for keywords, the main potential points of our research are organized into thematic areas. Although we should never take what the AI tells us as fact, this helps us break down a larger research topic into smaller, more manageable parts.
   
   We can even follow-up by asking for keywords for a specific section.
    

   

   Anonymous: For this outline, what are some keywords I can use to research section II?
   ChatGPT: For section II, some keywords for research could include:

   - Poverty
   - Social well-being
   - Isolation
   - Loneliness
   - Community support
   - Veteran-specific social clubs
   - Mentorship
   - Government interventions
   - Community outreach programs
   - Social connections

3. Continue to search library databases using the search strategy from earlier in "Keywords from a Prompt."