Using AI for writing: tips for research papers, (business) proposals and more.
I am often asked about how AI can be used to write a scientific research paper and what the do’s and don’ts are. You can read about the reasons why you should and could use AI for your research paper on this website: [link will follow later].
In this blog, however, we will discuss practical tips, the do’s and don’ts of using Artificial Intelligence for writing, such as for your thesis, scientific research paper, business plan, or proposal, without sounding robotic or risking plagiarism.
This blog is also valuable for examiners and decision-makers who need to approve documents and wish to learn how to identify AI-generated text. And further details specifically for examiners and decision makers on AI usage will be provided in another blog post.
The content of this blog will offer valuable insights to those who are already familiar with using AI and prompts, but wish to refine their skills. If you don’t know how to use AI and Prompts, I recommend first watching some courses about it on YouTube; there are plenty available on this subject. I will also include more prompt-related blogs later on, but that’s for another blog post.
Why is it important to know how to use AI in papers and research?
As you may already know, it is crucial to use AI tools correctly to maintain the integrity and originality of your work. Misuse of AI can lead to unintended plagiarism and a loss of personal voice, which is essential in academic writing. Also, relying too heavily on AI in your paperwork, scientific research, or proposals can lead to mistrust and a loss of authenticity. People may perceive your work as less credible and question even your expertise.
Understanding the potential and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT, Cloud, or Bing is the first step in harnessing their power effectively. These tools can assist in generating ideas, providing structure, and correcting grammar, but they should not replace the human element in writing.
This guide in this blog will help you navigate the nuances of using AI in your research writing, ensuring that your work remains authentic, credible, and ethically sound.
Initial steps for correction only
First of all, if you use ChatGPT or any other artificial intelligence program like Cloud or Bing, make sure that you always use the following prompt to correct your text only, and do not rewrite it:
“Correct only the grammar, keep the tone the same, do not rewrite, do not add any information, or do not delete any information from the text: (insert your text)”
After this prompt, you will receive the text with grammar corrections, but without any primary changes to the content. After that, you can request for more corrected text by adding one more prompt, such as: “Correct the text provided above.” You will then receive a text that sounds exactly like yours, without grammar errors and with correct and clear sentences, without making substantial changes to the original text.
Make sure to clear the chat history inside the AI program from time to time, because sometimes the program might skip your request and alter your text entirely. Also, ensure that your text closely resembles your original one and has not been rewritten. If necessary, repeat the steps mentioned above until you achieve a text that closely matches your original.
Simplicity in language & banned words
Make sure to use words that are easy to understand. When conducting literature research with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence, use the following prompt:
“Do not use the banned words provided below. Keep the language easy to understand and provide a literature overview about subject X. Remember to include the sources used in APA style within the text and list them after the text in APA-style. The banned words are: curve, game, juncture, cusp, hurdles, bustling, harnessing, unveiling the power, realm, depicted, demystify, insurmountable, new era, poised, unravel, entanglement, unprecedented, eerie connection, unliving, beacon, unleash, delve, enrich, multifaceted, elevate, discover, supercharge, unlock, tailored, elegant, delve, dive, ever-evolving, pride, realm, meticulously, grappling, weighing, picture, architect, adventure, journey, embark, navigate, navigation, dazzle, tapestry, evolving, rapidly, embracing, fostering, ever-shifting, unveiling.”
This approach ensures your text includes appropriate sources in APA style without sounding robotic. Always ensure in the end that banned words are not used in the text, as they can raise red flags for the reader.
Using Humanizer AI-programs
In some cases, you might also consider using Humanizer Artificial Intelligence programs. These programs can help you rewrite your literature research, for example, making it sound much more human. Here are some Humanizer Artificial Intelligence programs you can use to rewrite your text and make it sound more human:
[more links will follow later]
Importance of authenticity
Be aware that it is very important to write your entire research paper, whatever it is, thesis or research report, in your own words, giving it a personal touch. Authenticity is very important, and for the readers, it is also very fine to see your personal view and personal knowledge as well. So use Artificial Intelligence programs only for getting some inspiration and ideas or sources for your paperwork and not to write your content entirely with Artificial Intelligence programs. Otherwise, you might get caught by Artificial Intelligence detectors and get penalties because of being marked for plagiarism.
Proper citation
In case you use citations from books or even citations from websites like ChatGPT output, make sure that you enclose the citations in double quotation marks [“”] and write the sources in APA-style as well.
If you used ChatGPT or any other Artificial Intelligence program to generate any output, whether it’s a text or code for a program, it’s crucial to acknowledge the use of AI programs to clarify and prevent mistrust. Therefore, remember to include the prompt you used to generate the text or code as an attachment, and reference these attachments in your paper (or proposal) where AI-generated content is included.
So, make sure that the sources are included in your research paper, and it’s okay to mention that you used prompts as long as you are transparent about your actions as a researcher or business owner. This will also enhance your credibility and authenticity.
Remember, it’s always about balance: maintain moderation and avoid overusing AI-generated text in your writing.
Methodology
Make sure to also document in your Methodology chapter the incorrect choices made, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of your research. This approach will strengthen the ethical foundation of your research methodology and maintain trust in your work. Additionally, outline the steps taken to improve the research quality where weaknesses exist, and describe the challenges encountered during your research journey. Finally, thoroughly review everything written once you have completed your paper/proposal.
Using AI detection websites:
Use AI detectors to identify any text generated by AI. If the score given by AI detectors in any chapters is more than 50%, ensure that you change the text to sound more human.
The following AI detector websites can be used:
[more links will follow later]
Sidenote: AI detectors do not always provide the correct AI-score immediately. Therefore, it is crucial to use at least three different AI detectors to ensure the accuracy of the AI score before drawing any conclusions. In case all three (or more) AI detectors show a very high AI-score, than the text is most probably written by an AI program.
Using AI wisely: check and verify
Remember to use generative AI for things it’s good at, like quickly reviewing literature, summarizing articles, and understanding ideas. But keep critical thinking tasks, like deciding where to place specific references and what kind of reference to use, in your own hands. Since many sources and links provided by AI may not even exist, make sure to double-check any references you get.
Note: It’s important to understand that many sources provided by AI programs, even if they are formatted in APA style with a URL, may not actually exist or might have been deleted by the host. So, always double-check all sources to ensure they are valid and accessible, so people don’t encounter errors when trying to verify your information.
Protecting privacy
Ensure not to use any artificial intelligence programs for writing, conducting research, humanizing your text, or utilizing AI detectors if the information is highly private, includes names of individuals or organizations, contains charts about company finances, or includes any other confidential information meant solely for your client or organization. Improper use of artificial intelligence programs in your research paper could potentially lead to privacy breaches.
Validation
In the end, in the Results chapter, you can also add additional information on how you validated your results. Validation can come from an expert, your client, or colleagues who specialize in the field of study. Their confirmation can ensure the quality and accuracy of your results. Therefore, do not rely solely on a literature review (or AI-generated literature output) to justify your choices. Instead, ensure your findings are validated with external input, such as from your client or an expert, and align them with literature sources using APA style in your text.
Transparency
Once again, as previously mentioned, if you use any programs in your thesis or scientific research, document that you used prompts and include these prompts in the appendix. In the text, acknowledge the use of prompts and refer to the appendix for further details. Transparency about your work is expected from a researcher, so be mindful of this requirement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of AI into academic writing offers significant benefits, but it must be approached with caution and responsibility. By following the tips given above, you can use AI properly for your research paper without compromising the authenticity and originality of your work. It’s important to remember that AI should always serve as a tool to assist and inspire, not as a crutch to replace your own critical thinking and creativity!
Transparency in your use of AI, proper citation practices, and a clear understanding of the ethical implications are essential to maintaining the credibility of your research. So always strive to provide a personal touch to your writing, showcasing your unique perspective and insights.
Ultimately, the successful use of AI in research writing depends on striking a balance between technological assistance and personal input. This balance ensures that your work remains a true reflection of your thoughts and efforts.
These are the tips that I could think of. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me through this page. Remember, the journey of research is as important as the final result, and using AI wisely can significantly improve that journey.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended for commercial promotion. I do not take responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of the websites provided above.
Artificial Intelligence | Research Writing | Academic Writing | AI in Research | Ethical Writing | Authentic Research | Citation Practices | AI Assistance | Personal Touch | Research Ethics | AI and Creativity | Plagiarism Prevention | Scientific Writing | Thesis Writing | Literature Review | Data Validation | Research Methodology | Academic Integrity | Humanizing Research | Transparent Research
You may also like
How a mix of technologies is shaping the future
Exploring Google’s Notebook LM: Transforming Text into Podcast
