2 essential steps for smarter research

AI can be a powerful ally or a risky gamble, depending on how you use it. If you rely on AI for your research, taking shortcuts can backfire and cost you your credibility. To avoid misinformation about AI, follow these two essential steps:

1. Ask for references.
2. Check these references yourself.

Here’s why these steps are essential.

Case Study: AI Trends: Fact or Fiction?

Recently, a colleague asked the generative AI tool Perplexity to identify this year’s trends in artificial intelligence. The app provided several impressive statistics, including:

• 73% of companies believe generative AI will increase workforce productivity.
• 60% of companies see generative AI as an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage.

These claims sound promising, but are they true? Without checking the sources, we cannot be sure. Unfortunately, AI tools are notorious for fabricating information.

Productivity claim examined

Perplexity’s statement that “73% of companies believe generative AI will increase workforce productivity” linked to a blog post titled “Generative AI Trends: Transforming the Business and Shaping the Future”, published by Masters of Code, Inc. The message states: “73% (of executives) believe new technologies will increase workforce productivity. »

Although Perplexity accurately cited the blog post, the post itself provides no evidence for this claim. Masters of Code may have obtained it from another source, but without proof, this number cannot be trusted.

Even if this claim were verified, its wording raises another problem. The belief that generative AI could increasing productivity is not as compelling as the evidence shows has increased productivity.

Competitive advantage claim examined

Perplexity’s statement that “60% of companies view generative AI as an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage” comes from the same Masters of Code blog post. Again, the message does not explain where this number comes from.

Although the post references reputable sources like Gartner And McKinseynone of these reports appear to support the claim of competitive advantage. Without clear attribution, this statistic remains suspect.

Why reference checking is important

Failing to verify AI-generated information isn’t just a research faux pas. It’s unethical. Disseminating unverified data can mislead others and undermine confidence in your work.

The consequences of relying on unverified AI-generated claims can be serious. In the legal case Mata v. Aviancafor example, a New York lawyer named Steven Schwartz used ChatGPT to write a brief including quotes and quotes from non-existent cases. As a result, the case was dismissed, the lawyers were a fine of $5,000and their professional reputation was damaged.

How to avoid spreading misinformation about AI

To avoid presenting fiction as fact in your work, follow these two steps whenever you use AI for research:

1. Ask for references. When using an AI tool like ChatGPT, include a prompt such as “Please include hyperlinks to the sources of your complaints.” »
2. Check these references. Make sure the links are valid and lead to credible sources. If the references are broken or unsubstantiated, ignore the complaint.

Consider AI as a starting point. Use it to generate ideas, not definitive answers. Check each fact independently before citing it.

One last example

After writing the first version of this article, I asked ChatGPT to provide an example of AI invention. He identified the Mata v. Avianca case and included a reference, but I didn’t stop there. I double-checked the information and found two additional reliable sources to confirm the story.

AI can be a great tool to start your research, but it should never be the end all be all for your research.

The essentials for preventing misinformation about AI

AI can speed up your research, but only if you use it responsibly. To avoid misinformation about AI, always ask for references, verify them thoroughly, and treat AI as a starting point, not the final authority. Your credibility – and your reputation – depends on it.