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First Year Experience

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the field of computer science focused on creating machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This encompasses a variety of functions, including learning, problem-solving, decision-making, pattern recognition, and language understanding.

Definition of AI

AI can be broadly defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer systems. This includes various technologies and methodologies that enable computers to perceive their environment, learn from experiences, and make decisions based on data analysis.

Key Characteristics

  • Learning from Experience: AI systems can improve their performance over time by analyzing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns.
  • Understanding Natural Language: Many AI applications can comprehend and respond to human language, facilitating communication between humans and machines.
  • Autonomy: Advanced AI systems can operate independently, making decisions without human intervention, such as in self-driving cars.

In summary, AI is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field that aims to replicate and enhance human cognitive functions through advanced computational techniques. Its applications are diverse, impacting numerous sectors from healthcare to finance and beyond.

 

Works Cited

"Define AI for me" prompt. Perplexity, Perplexity AI, 2 Jan 2025, perplexity.ai.

What is AI useful for?

AI tools can be useful for:

  • Brainstorming
  • Outlining
  • Breaking down a task
  • Inspiration
  • Editing
  • Study help
  • Background research

AI tools should not be used for:

  • Finding resources
  • Writing
  • Creativity
  • Generating citations

Limitations of AI

Hallucinations or Confabulations

  • AI tools sometimes make up answers, or create information or sources that seem real but are not.

Data Quality and Bias 

  • AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. Poor quality or biased data can lead to inaccurate results. 
  • Ensuring data diversity and quality is crucial to avoid skewed outcomes.

Technical Expertise 

  • Requires a certain level of technical knowledge to effectively use AI tools. 
  • Understanding the underlying algorithms and their limitations is important to interpret results correctly. 

Cost and Accessibility 

  • Some advanced AI tools and software can be expensive. 
  • Access to high-performance computing resources may be limited for some students. 

 

Works Cited

“Please provide an outline of what college students should consider when using AI in research. I want the limitations and ethical issues as well as the benefits.” Copilot: AI Assistant, Microsoft, 16 Oct. 2024, copilot.microsoft.com.

Types of AI

The Auraria Library does not endorse or promote any specific AI tool or the use of AI in general.

Research Mapping and Discovery

Writing Assistance

Assistive

Exam Preparation

Creation

General

Citing AI

Citing AI tools, like ChatGPT, is important for several reasons:

  • Credibility: Proper citation reinforces the credibility of your work. It shows that you are transparent about your sources and the tools you used to generate or support your content.
  • Transparency: Citing AI tools helps clarify how you arrived at your conclusions or generated your ideas. This transparency builds trust with your readers and allows them to understand your research process.
  • Intellectual Property: Recognizing the contributions of AI tools respects the intellectual property involved in creating the content. This is crucial for upholding ethical research practices.
  • Academic Standards: Many academic institutions and publications require the citation of AI tools to maintain scholarly standards. Following these guidelines ensures that your work meets the expectations of your field.

By citing AI tools, you contribute to a culture of respect and integrity in research and writing.

 

Works Cited

"Why do you need to cite AI?" prompt. Copilot: AI Assistant, Microsoft, 17 Dec. 2024, copilot.microsoft.com.

MLA

From Purdue OWL:

MLA format: “Text of prompt” prompt. AI Tool, Day Month version, Company, Day Month Year, chat.openai.com.

MLA Works Cited entry: “Explain antibiotics” prompt. ChatGPT, 13 Feb. version, OpenAI, 16 Feb. 2023, chat.openai.com.

MLA in-text citation: ("Explain antibiotics")

 

Works Cited

"Artificial Intelligence (AI)". Purdue OWL, https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/c.php?g=1371380&p=10135074. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Example:

Prompt: Queer history American frontier, in Perplexity.

MLA citation:

"Queer history American frontier" prompt. Perplexity, Perplexity AI, 17 May 2023, perplexity.ai.

 

Resources for Citing AI in MLA Style

APA

From Purdue OWL:

APA format:  Author. (Date). Title (Month Day version) [Additional Descriptions ]. Source

Author: The author of the model. 

Date: The year of the version. 

Title: The name of the model.The version number is included after the title in parentheses. 

Bracketed text: References for additional descriptions

Source: When the publisher and author names are identical, omit the publisher name in the source element of the reference and proceed directly to the URL.

APA reference entry: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Feb 13 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com

APA in-text citation: (OpenAI, 2023)

 

Works cited

"Artificial Intelligence (AI)". Purdue OWL, https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/c.php?g=1371380&p=10135074. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Example:

Prompt: Outline an academic paper about the life of Ralph Kerwineo with sources, Copilot

Microsoft. (2024). Copilot [Large language model]. copilot.cloud.microsoft

 

Resources for Citing AI in APA Style