Skip to Main Content

Library - Mastering Generative AI: Essential skills for the digital age: Research assistant

This course on Generative AI Literacy is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the AI-driven landscape.

Imagine having a research assistant who can quickly find information, suggest sources, and help you organise your ideas—that’s exactly what your AI can do with the right prompts!

Instructions

The following examples demonstrate the role of YOU as the researcher, directing the research process, and the AI Research Assistant as the responder, offering guidance based on your prompts.

Click on the tabs to move from one topic to the next.

STEP 2: Using AI as a research assistant responsibly

STEP 3: AI as research assistanct

Download the PDF file to guide you in using prompt engineering as a Research Assistant.

STEP 1: Research assistant

  • You: “Hello AI, I need some credible sources on essay writing principles. Can you help me find them?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Absolutely! You could start by asking, ‘What are some reputable sources or articles on the principles of good essay writing?’ I’ll help you identify academic papers, books, or articles that can provide valuable insights.”
  • You: “That’s really helpful. I’ll be able to back up my arguments with solid evidence.”
  •  AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! I can guide you to reliable sources that strengthen your essay.”

  • You: “I found some sources, but they’re a bit long and complex. Can you help me understand them?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Of course! If you find a particular article or section challenging, you can ask me to summarise it. For example, ‘Can you summarise the key points of this article on essay writing strategies?’ I’ll break it down into simpler terms so you can easily grasp the main ideas.”
  • You: “That’s perfect! I won’t feel lost when reading complicated texts.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “That’s what I’m here for—to make the research process smoother for you.”

  • You: “I’ve gathered some good information. How do I organise it all?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “You can ask me to help you categorise your research. For example, ‘How should I organise the information I’ve found on essay structure, argument development, and conclusion strategies?’ I’ll suggest a structure that makes it easy to organise your notes and ideas.”
  • You: “So you can help me sort out all the information I’ve collected?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! I’ll help you arrange your research so that it’s easy to use when you start writing.”
     

  • You: “I’m not sure how to develop my argument. Can you help?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Definitely! You could ask something like, ‘What are some strong arguments I can use to support my thesis on the importance of essay structure?’ I’ll provide you with ideas and points that you can expand on in your essay.”
  • You: “That’s awesome! I’ll be able to build a solid argument with your help.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Think of me as your brainstorming partner, always ready to generate ideas and suggest different angles for your essay.”
     

  • You: “How do I make sure my information is accurate?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Good question! You can ask me to help with cross-referencing. For example, ‘Can you find another source that supports this argument about the importance of clear thesis statements?’ I’ll help you verify information by finding additional sources that back up your points.”
  • You: “That will help me make sure my essay is well-supported and accurate.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! I’m here to help you ensure your research is thorough and credible.”

  • You: “I’ve got all my research together. Can you help me review it?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Of course! Before you start writing, you can ask me to review your notes or outline. For example, ‘Do my research notes cover all the key principles of good essay writing?’ I’ll check to make sure you haven’t missed anything important.”
  • You: “That’s really useful. I’ll be confident that my research is complete.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Absolutely! I’m here to help you feel prepared and ready to write.”
     

  • You: “AI, I’m not sure how to start my research. Can you help me create a plan?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Of course! A good research strategy starts with a plan. You could begin by asking, ‘What are the first steps I should take when researching the principles of good essay writing?’ I’ll guide you through setting goals, identifying key topics, and deciding on the types of sources you should look for.”
  • You: “That sounds like a great way to stay organised and focused.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! Having a clear plan makes the research process smoother and more manageable.”

  • You: “How do I know what to look for when researching?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “That’s a crucial part of your strategy. You could ask, ‘What are the key concepts and keywords related to essay writing principles that I should focus on in my research?’ I’ll help you identify important terms like ‘thesis statement,’ ‘argument structure,’ and ‘coherence,’ which you can use to guide your search.”
  • You: “So you can help me find the right terms to use in databases and search engines?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! Knowing the right keywords helps you find the most relevant information quickly and efficiently.”

  • You: “There’s so much information out there. How do I choose the best sources?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Good question! A strong research strategy involves selecting credible and relevant sources. You might ask, ‘What types of sources should I prioritise when researching academic writing?’ I’ll suggest looking at academic journals, books by experts in the field, and reputable educational websites.”
  • You: “That will help me avoid unreliable or irrelevant information.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Absolutely! I’ll help you focus on high-quality sources that add value to your essay.”

  • You: “How do I make sense of all the information I find?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “A key part of your research strategy is evaluating and synthesising the information you gather. You could ask, ‘How can I evaluate the credibility of the sources I find on essay writing?’ and ‘What’s the best way to synthesize different perspectives into a cohesive argument?’ I’ll guide you through assessing source reliability and combining different viewpoints in a balanced way.”
  • You: “That way, I can build a strong, well-rounded argument in my essay.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! Synthesising information helps you create a comprehensive and persuasive essay.”

  • You: “Research can take a lot of time. How can I manage it effectively?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Time management is key to successful research. You could ask, ‘What’s a good timeline for completing each stage of my research and writing process?’ I’ll help you break down the process into manageable steps, like setting deadlines for finding sources, taking notes, and writing drafts.”
  • You: “This will keep me on track and reduce last-minute stress.”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Precisely! By managing your time and resources effectively, you can ensure that your research is thorough without feeling rushed.”

  • You: “What if I find new information that changes my original plan?”
  • AI Research Assistant: “Research is an evolving process, so it’s important to stay flexible. You might ask, ‘How should I adjust my research strategy if I find new or unexpected information?’ I’ll help you adapt your approach, whether it means exploring new sources or revising your thesis to reflect new insights.”
  • You: “So I can stay adaptable and responsive to new ideas?”
  •  AI Research Assistant: “Exactly! Being open to refining your strategy as you learn more can lead to a stronger, more informed essay.”

Tip

Design by Elize Du Toit