A Guide to AI Tools for Research

Before using any AI research tool, please review McMaster's Policies & Guidelines for Generative AI:

• University AI Policy & Principles
  • Use AI responsibly, safely, and ethically. 
• Guideline on the Use of Generative AI in Research
  • Critically evaluate and personally verify any outputs used in the research process.
• The Academic Integrity Policy (Page 10) specifies:
  • It is considered as academic dishonesty to use generative artificial intelligence, entirely or in part, for submitted academic work without the explicit permission of the course instructor. 

Respect Academic Integrity

• Just because AI research tools exist does not mean they can be used freely in coursework. Always confirm by seeking explicit permission of the course instructor. 

Verify Information

• AI-generated outputs may contain errors. Always check original sources and rely on peer-reviewed or authoritative materials.

Know the Limitations

• AI tools may not fully cover your discipline and their scope of knowledge can be incomplete or outdated.

Protect your Information

• Do not enter personal or confidential information into AI systems. 

Cite Responsibly

• If you use AI to discover resources, follow this Library Guide on Citing Generative AI. 

Consider Publishing Guidelines

• If you plan to publish work, consult publisher policies on AI use to ensure compliance. 

Generative AI is transforming how we discover, analyze and engage with scholarly information. This guide introduces AI research tools approved or licensed by McMaster University to support students, faculty and researchers in finding and understanding academic literature. 

While these tools can increase efficiency and broaden discovery efforts, they are not replacements for critical thinking, reading original sources or engaging in scholarly dialogue. All AI outputs should be verified and used in accordance with McMaster's Guidelines. 

The purposes of this guide are to:

• Help you choose the right tool for your research stage and academic needs.
• Encourage responsible and ethical use of AI tools in research.

This guide is a work in progress, and content will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

• Check the University AI Principles and the Academic Integrity Policy before using AI tools. 
• If you are a student, get explicit instructor permission to avoid academic misconduct.
• Verify information with original, reliable sources.
• Protect your privacy: do not share personal or confidential information within AI tool inputs.
• Follow this citation guide to ensure you cite your material appropriately.