Generative AI Defined
Generative AI is a type of Artificial Intelligence trained on vast datasets to create entirely new content (text, images, code, audio) that resembles the data it learned from. Tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and GitHub Copilot are key examples.
Generative vs. Traditional AI
| Feature | Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) | Traditional AI (e.g., Spam Filter) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Creation (Generates novel content). | Classification/Prediction (Identifies patterns or forecasts). |
| Output Type | New paragraphs, unique images, fresh code. | A label, score, or classification (e.g., "Spam"). |
Maintain Academic Integrity and Accountability
You are the sole author and intellectual owner of your work, and you are therefore **fully responsible** for any AI-generated content you incorporate into academic assignments, research, or publications.[4] Tulane’s Academic Integrity policies state that using unauthorized assistance—which includes generative AI to write or rewrite significant elements of your work—is a violation of the Code of Academic Conduct.[2]
You Are Responsible for Verification
AI tools can invent sources, produce biased data, and make factual errors (hallucinations). Your grade is based on the accuracy of your submission. You are solely responsible for **fact-checking** and critically evaluating all AI-generated output before submitting it.[5]
Transparency and Acknowledgment
If your instructor permits the use of AI, you are required to clearly and explicitly acknowledge how it was used (e.g., "I used AI to generate the outline and check grammar"). Failure to disclose when permitted is a breach of transparency and may be considered a violation.[6]
Data Privacy is Paramount (Research)
When using public AI tools for research or coursework, you must **never** input restricted university data, or data classified as Level 2, 3, or 4 Confidential Data.[3] Information shared with public models is not private and can lead to unauthorized disclosure of proprietary or sensitive information.[7]
✓ DO (If Allowed)
- Check your syllabus first for the specific course policy.
- Use AI for spell-checking and grammar refinement.
- Use AI for brainstorming or ideation (if allowed).
- Cite the tool and your prompt clearly if use is permitted.[6]
- Verify all information, sources, and data from the AI.[5]
- Ask your instructor for clarification if the policy is vague.
✗ DON'T (Unless Explicitly Allowed)
- Submit AI work as your own (violates academic integrity).
- Let AI write or rewrite significant parts of your paper.
- Enter Tulane confidential data into public AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT).[7]
- Trust AI citations or math without verification.
- Use AI to avoid learning core concepts of the class.
- Use AI when the assignment requires your unique voice/ideas.
💡 Non-Generative AI Tools for Research
These tools use AI to automate complex processes like data analysis and literature review, rather than generating text. They are highly valuable in the research process.
| AI Tool Category | Example Tools | Research Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Mapping & Review | Research Rabbit | Visually mapping the citation graph to find key papers or identify knowledge gaps. |
| Data Cleaning & Management | OpenRefine (with ML extensions), DataRobot | Identifying and correcting errors or inconsistencies in large datasets; automating data preparation. |
| Statistical & Predictive Analysis | IBM SPSS Modeler, specialized Python/R packages | Building predictive models, performing complex cluster analysis, and selecting relevant features. |
| Image/Video Analysis | Computer Vision libraries (e.g., OpenCV) | Automatically identifying, counting, or tracking objects (e.g., cells, animals) in visual data. |
| Reference Management | Zotero | Recommending relevant literature and automatically extracting metadata and creating citations. |
📝 How to Cite AI Tools (Required if Used)
If your instructor permits use, you must cite it. Consult your instructor for their preferred style (APA/MLA):
"I used ChatGPT to generate initial ideas for my essay structure and to check grammar. All analysis, arguments, and final writing are my own work."
"Description of prompt" prompt. ChatGPT, Version GPT-4, OpenAI, Date accessed, chat.openai.com.
