AI generative tools can be a useful resource or tool to augment learning, including preliminary background research and generating preliminary outlines, but it also entails risks and can be misleading. It is not a replacement for critical thinking and you must be aware of the limitations. Be cautious in using AI for research assistance, as all existing AI apps ‘fabricate’ and supply false information and often operate at high levels of generality. In other words, don’t trust everything the system says. Unless you already know the answer or can verify and corroborate with trusted sources (e.g., peer reviewed research papers), assume the AI answer is biased, lacks accountability, and often provides inaccurate information. In addition, please be aware that AI uses immense computing power and hence has an environmental footprint that we are just beginning to understand.

Resources for AI and how to engage with it

Barnard and Columbia have developed useful guides on generative AI and how to engage with it and maintain academic integrity. We encourage you to review the resources here and discuss this with your adviser if you plan to use AI in any way, and review citation guidelines for AI: MLA | APA.

AI generative tools may NOT be in Senior Seminar for the following: 

1. Writing, data analysis, and data visualization: The use of AI generative tools is prohibited for these tasks in Senior Seminar.  Since writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are part of the learning outcomes of this course, all writing, including phrases, sentences, or whole paragraphs, in your drafts and final thesis / thesis proposal must be your original work.

AI generative tools may be used in Senior Seminar for the following:

1. Brainstorming and idea generation for preliminary outlines: Students may use AI generative tools to brainstorm ideas, potential research topics, and preliminary outlines. For example, students may use AI-powered chatbots or text-generation tools to explore different angles or perspectives related to their research topic. However, students should ensure the final submitted outline reflects their own understanding of the topic and approach to their research topic, as well as their own analysis and synthesis of the generated ideas. 
2. Citation Guidelines:
   1. All sources, including AI tools, must be properly cited within the text and included in the bibliography. Text directly copied from AI sites must be treated as any other direct quote and properly cited. 
   2. All uses of AI must be clearly described at the end of the assignment. Students must acknowledge the use of AI in any work they submit for class, including acknowledging the use for generating ideas or outlines. Students who use AI should discuss their use with the advisor before submission. This will help ensure AI is being used appropriately. In addition, students should include a brief paragraph at the end of the work submission explaining how and why you used ChatGPT or other AI tools. Include the prompts you used, and answer this question: Who is the author of this work? Then explain your answer. We reserve the right based on our assessment of your assignment to require you to revise and resubmit all or parts of the writing if we conclude that you have not used ChatGPT or other AI tools appropriately.