AI as Support for Information Searching
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, can be used as support in different parts of the information-searching process. For example, they can help you get started, explore a topic, identify relevant search terms, or develop a search strategy.
Generative AI does not “understand” information in the same way humans do. The answers are generated based on probability, not on an assessment of truth or quality. This means that the information may be incorrect, incomplete, or misleading, even if it sounds plausible.
It is important to understand both the possibilities and the limitations of generative AI, and to use these tools in combination with academic search systems and library resources.
Things to keep in mind when using generative AI
- AI tools generate text based on patterns in data, not on verified facts.
- The information may contain errors, outdated content, or bias.
- You cannot always see which sources the AI is basing its answers on.
- The same question can result in different answers at different times.
Read more about what generative AI is (Karolinska Institutet).
Remember that you are always responsible for finding out which rules apply to the use of AI in your specific course and for the assignment you are working on.
Getting Started and Exploring a Topic
AI tools can be particularly helpful when you:
- are just starting to explore a new subject
- need ideas for perspectives or angles
- want to find examples, key concepts, or theories
- want short summaries of complex texts
- need to translate material into a language you understand better
Exploring a new area
- I am new to [subject]. Can you explain the key concepts and provide a short introduction?
- Identify the main themes and questions I should be familiar with when I start reading about [subject].
Getting inspiration and generating ideas
- Suggest five possible essay topics within the field of [subject area].
- Give examples of common research questions within [subject] that a student could develop further.
Alternative perspectives
- Provide alternative perspectives or theoretical approaches to the following research question: [question].
- How can different disciplines (e.g. education, sociology, health sciences) understand or analyse [phenomenon]?
Finding examples, concepts, or theories
- Which theories are commonly used to study [subject]?
- List key concepts that are frequently used in research on [area].
Summarising complex texts
- Summarise the following scholarly text in a clear and easy-to-understand way: [text].
- Create a bullet-point list of the main findings from this text: [text].
Translating material
- Translate this academic text into English and preserve the disciplinary terminology: [text].
- Translate this text into Swedish and explain difficult concepts using simpler language: [text].
Developing a Search Strategy
AI can help you to:
- formulate a research question and narrow down or refine a topic
- identify relevant keywords and synonyms
- create possible search strings using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
- translating search strings between databases
Formulating and narrowing a topic
- I am writing an academic paper on [topic]. Help me narrow it down so it is suitable for a bachelor’s thesis.
- Suggest three different ways to narrow the following topic: [topic].
Identifying relevant keywords and alternative terms
- What keywords, synonyms, and related terms are commonly used in research on [topic]?
- Create a list of Swedish and English search terms, including alternative terms, for [concept].
Creating Boolean search strings (AND/OR/NOT)
- Can you create a Boolean search string for this topic to use in Scopus: [topic]?
- Create two versions of this search string — one broad and one narrow: [keywords/concepts].
Translating search strings between databases
- Translate this Scopus search string into syntax that works in PubMed: [search string].
- Adapt this search string so it works in a university library discovery service: [search string].
Recommending Relevant Databases
AI tools can help you to:
- identify databases commonly used within a discipline
- understand differences between databases
- understand how the search functions work
- get an overview of what types of sources a database contains
AI-generated recommendations should be treated as suggestions, not guarantees. Always consult the library’s subject guides and database descriptions to ensure that the database is appropriate for academic use.
Which databases are suitable for the topic?
- Which databases are most relevant for finding research on [topic] at university level?
- I am studying [programme/subject]. Which databases are commonly used in this field, and why?
How databases differ
- Explain the difference between Scopus and a discovery service when searching for journal articles.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of searching a subject-specific database compared to Google Scholar?
How search functions work
- How does advanced searching work in [database], and which features are most important to know about?
- Can you give simple examples of how phrase searching, truncation, and filtering work in [database]?
When Generative AI Is Not Enough
Generative AI cannot replace academic database searching. It cannot perform systematic, transparent, or reproducible searches in the way that academic work requires.
Use AI as a complement, not a substitute, for library databases and other scholarly resources.
AI in databases you have access to
Scopus AI
Scopus AI is a tool within Scopus, you find it above the search box in the database. In the Scopus AI tab, you can use natural language, meaning there is no need to use specific search terms. You can choose to write your question or hypothesis in the language that suits you best, although the responses are always provided in English.
The feature is useful when you want to explore and understand new subject areas. Based on your question, you will receive a summary of the topic, including references drawn from the database. You can also generate a more detailed summary and receive suggestions for follow-up questions. In addition, you can view the Boolean search used to retrieve the references.
Access Scopus via the library’s database list.