Must-Watch Before Using Any AI Tool in Research II New AI Rules for Researchers
Education
Introduction
As the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic writing becomes increasingly prevalent, it's essential for researchers to adhere to certain guidelines to avoid complications with manuscript submission. This article discusses five crucial rules that researchers should be aware of when using AI-assisted technologies, such as ChatGPT and other generative AI tools, for their literature reviews, research papers, PhD theses, and assignments.
Rule One: Improve Readability, Not Generate Text
Researchers can utilize generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance the readability and language quality of their manuscripts. However, it's important to remember that while AI can assist in rewriting text, the original content must still be written by the researcher. Specifically, AI tools should be used to refine language rather than to compose entire sections of text.
Furthermore, the use of AI should be approached with caution as it can affect the AI detection score of the manuscript. If substantial amounts of text are rewritten at once, they may be flagged as AI-generated. Researchers should review the AI output for errors, as they bear full responsibility for the content in case of publication.
Rule Two: Authorship and Citation
AI tools should not be included as authors in any submitted manuscript. Only human authors are responsible for the content, tasks, and ethical implications of the research. Therefore, the names of AI tools cannot be listed as authors nor referenced in the bibliography.
Rule Three: Generating Figures and Artwork
Several tools can produce graphics and images for research, but most journals prohibit the use of AI for the creation or alteration of figures unless it is part of the research design. Researchers must ensure that their figures are generated through established research methodologies rather than through AI assistance.
Rule Four: Declaration of AI Usage
If AI tools are employed to improve the manuscript, researchers must disclose this in a specific section at the end of the manuscript upon submission. An example declaration might include a statement such as, “During the preparation of this work, the authors used ChatGPT to enhance the readability of the manuscript. The authors reviewed and edited the content as necessary and take full responsibility for the published article’s content.”
Rule Five: Basic Tools Exemption
The use of basic tools like Grammarly, Mendeley, or NoteJarrow for grammar checks or reference management does not require a declaration. If no AI tools were utilized, then researchers do not need to disclose this in their submission.
Keywords
- AI Tools
- Generative AI
- Research Guidelines
- Readability Improvement
- Manuscript Submission
- Authorship
- Figure Generation
- Declaration of Usage
- Basic Tools Exemption
FAQ
Q1: Can I use AI tools to write sections of my manuscript?
A1: No, AI tools should only be used to improve the readability and language of the text that you have written yourself.
Q2: Do I need to cite AI tools in my references?
A2: No, you should not list AI tools as authors or cite them in your references.
Q3: What should I do if I use AI to enhance my manuscript?
A3: You must declare the use of AI in a specific statement at the end of your manuscript, detailing which tool you used and for what purpose.
Q4: Are there any exemptions for using basic writing tools?
A4: Yes, tools for spell-checks, grammar correction, or reference management do not require a declaration.
Q5: Will my manuscript be rejected if I use AI tools?
A5: Manuscripts may be rejected if the guidelines are not followed, particularly those regarding authorship and the declaration of AI usage.