Using AI Tools to Support the Research Process

• In Event: AI for Teaching, Learning, and Student Research: Helping educators and students use AI while preserving independent judgment

Abstract

In this conference session, I want to show students how AI can be used as a research assistant, not as a replacement for their own thinking or writing. We will walk through a complete research workflow together, using a real or sample research question. First, students will learn how to use AI tools such as Consensus to find relevant research papers and quickly understand what previous studies have found. We will practice searching for a research topic, identifying important papers, and comparing findings across studies. Next, we will use Claude to organize and work with research materials. Students will learn how to upload documents, ask questions about papers, summarize key themes, compare studies, and identify possible research gaps. We can also demonstrate how AI can help organize qualitative or quantitative data and support basic data analysis. Then, students will learn how to use AI during the research-writing process. We will demonstrate how to develop a research question, create an outline, improve clarity and organization, and critically review a draft. We can also show students how to create an AI “peer reviewer” prompt that provides feedback on their manuscript. Most importantly, the session will emphasize responsible AI use: verifying information, checking citations, protecting confidential data, and making sure the researcher—not AI—makes the final decisions.

Author

• Subhasankar Bhattacharya, National Louis University
  Facilitator