RLP 329: Using AI in Report Writing

Introduction

Welcome to Research Like a Pro, a genealogy podcast focused on enhancing your research skills. In this episode, hosts Nicole Dyer and Diana Elder, an accredited genealogist, explore the innovative ways AI can assist in report writing. They draw on Diana's experience with a project about Isabella Weatherford to highlight the potential of AI as a collaborative tool in genealogy.

Introduction

Writing genealogical reports can often be a daunting task, given the complexity and depth of the information that needs to be conveyed. However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the writing process can alleviate some of this stress. The episode discusses roles AI can play in report writing, such as being a coworker, creative assistant, tutor, and coach, all while emphasizing that AI should enhance, not replace, the work of genealogists.

Understanding AI's Role in Report Writing

Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for your expertise, think of it as a partner in your project. Overall, Diana found several key roles for AI in her work with Isabella Weatherford:

Coworker: AI can take on time-consuming tasks like summarizing historical documents, freeing genealogists to focus on analysis and synthesis.
Creative Assistant: When experiencing writer’s block, AI can generate new ideas or perspectives you may not have considered.
Tutor: AI can help clarify complex information quickly, ensuring that you understand what you need to communicate in your writing.
Coach: AI can provide feedback on your writing, suggesting improvements and identifying inconsistencies.

Challenges of Using AI

While AI offers many benefits, it also presents challenges, including:

Tracking AI Use: It's crucial to record how you used AI throughout your project for proper citation in your report.
Fact-Checking: Since AI can produce inaccurate information ("hallucinations"), each response must be verified for accuracy.
Maintaining Unique Voice: It’s essential to preserve your writing style and tone, ensuring that the report reflects your expertise.

Breakdown of Report Sections Using AI

Diana shared her approach to each section of her report using AI:

Objective: Diana refined the project objective with AI, focusing on Isabella’s life and contextual factors.
Limitations: She personally wrote this section to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Summary of Results: Using AI’s summarizing capabilities, Diana crafted a result overview that encapsulated the key findings effectively.
Background Information: AI helped Diana synthesize existing reports into a cohesive narrative, streamlining what often is a time-consuming process.
Findings and Analysis: By using AI to extract summary paragraphs from her research log, Diana could focus on narrative transitions and critical analysis.
Conclusion: Diana used AI to draft a conclusion summarizing the main points and outcomes of the report, which she refined carefully.
Future Research Suggestions: AI helped to compile suggestions for future research based on Diana's notes in her research log.

Integration Tips

Diana offered valuable insights for integrating AI into report writing:

Engage AI throughout the research process—not just in writing.
Design research logs with AI in mind, facilitating easier report generation.
Document which AI model was used and when for future reference.
Consider using AI project features for a comprehensive overview.
Experiment with various AI models for different tasks, optimizing their strengths.

Conclusion

By leveraging AI as a tool, genealogists can enhance their efficiency and writing quality. While AI can assist in various aspects of report writing, the genealogist's voice and expertise remain paramount. Embracing the collaborative nature of AI can lead to more effective and enjoyable research outcomes.

Keyword

AI, genealogy, report writing, coworker, creative assistant, tutor, coach, limitations, objective, findings, analysis, background information, summary of results, future research suggestions.

FAQ

Q: What is the main focus of the episode?
A: The episode discusses how to utilize AI efficiently in the report writing process for genealogical research.

Q: Can AI completely replace the writing process for genealogists?
A: No, AI should be viewed as a collaborative tool to assist in writing, not a replacement for the genealogist's expertise.

Q: How does AI help with summarizing information?
A: AI can read through extensive historical texts and generate condensed, coherent summaries, saving time for genealogists.

Q: What are some challenges of using AI in report writing?
A: Challenges include tracking how AI is used, fact-checking its output, and maintaining your own writing style.

Q: What tips were shared for integrating AI into research writing?
A: Use AI throughout the research process, document AI usage, and tailor research logs for easier report generation.