How AI can Support Research
AI and the Research Process
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly transforming the way research is conducted across universities, industry, healthcare, and society. From helping researchers discover relevant literature and analyse large datasets to identifying patterns, generating insights, and accelerating discoveries, AI is creating new opportunities to advance knowledge and address complex global challenges.
As a student, AI can support many stages of the research process, including exploring a topic, identifying key concepts, summarising information, refining research questions, organising ideas, and discovering relevant sources. When used thoughtfully, AI can help make aspects of research more efficient and accessible, allowing you to spend more time engaging with evidence, developing arguments, and thinking critically.
However, AI should be viewed as a tool to support research rather than replace it. AI-generated content may be inaccurate, incomplete, biased, or based on unreliable sources. It is therefore essential to critically evaluate AI outputs, verify information using trusted sources, and follow relevant academic integrity, research ethics, and data protection guidance.
Throughout this section, you will explore how AI can support different stages of the research process, discover tools that may assist with research-related tasks, and learn about the responsible and ethical use of AI in academic research.
AI and the Library
This useful reference guide from Queen’s Library will help you navigate using library resources and generative AI in a responsible manner. Key points include:
- Generative AI in research: AI can help with research tasks, but it shouldn’t replace your own academic thinking.
- AI in library resources: Library databases now integrate AI to improve searches, but you must still judge sources carefully.
- Critical evaluation: AI can be wrong, so always question and verify information using academic sources.
- Referencing AI: If you use AI, you may need to acknowledge it in line with academic integrity guidance.
- Uploading content to AI: Don’t upload personal, sensitive, or copyrighted material, and be mindful of data use.
🔗 Visit the AI and the Library Guide
💡 Key Considerations for Using AI in Research
Before using AI in your research, work through the following considerations:
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Check that AI use is permitted Review your assessment brief, supervisor’s instructions and any relevant School, disciplinary, publisher, funder or professional guidance. Access to an AI tool does not automatically mean it is appropriate or permitted.
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Keep human judgement at the centre Be prepared to explain why you used the tool, how you evaluated its output and which decisions you made yourself. AI should support—not replace—your academic judgement and essential thinking.
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Verify important outputs Check factual claims, references, calculations, code, methodological advice and interpretations using credible sources and appropriate methods. Treat AI output as material to evaluate, not as evidence in its own right.
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Protect research participants and data Do not upload personal, confidential, sensitive, commercially valuable or unpublished information without approval and appropriate safeguards. Consider AI use within your ethics application, Data Management Plan and participant consent materials where relevant.
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Look for bias and exclusion Consider which perspectives may be missing, what assumptions the output contains and whether errors could disproportionately affect particular people or groups. Address significant biases or limitations when interpreting and communicating your findings.
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Keep a record of your AI use Record the tool and model, date, purpose, important prompts and outputs, any revisions, and how the output was checked. These records can support declarations, methods sections, appendices and reporting requirements.
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Use AI proportionately Consider whether AI genuinely adds value. A conventional search, calculation, software feature or discussion with your supervisor may be more accurate, transparent and environmentally efficient.
