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AI Plagiarism and Citation

Introduction

AI that uses large language models (LLMs) offers powerful tools for writing and research, but evolving standards for crediting and verifying sources make these tools complicated to use for college assignments. This module will introduce you to generative AI research standards and ask you to think about the values and expectations associated with using AI with integrity.

Outcomes

  • Understand how AI relates to intellectual property 
  • Understand the differences between how AI processes information and academic expectations for research 
  • Spot information in AI output that violates expectations for citation and intellectual property
  • Learn to prompt AI to deliver useful citations 
  • Understand the expectations submitting AI-generated content in different situations 
  • Learn to properly cite AI use in the development of your projects 

Key Terms

  • Academic Integrity 
  • Research  
  • Large Language Model 
  • Intellectual Property
  • Plagiarism

Forecast

We will begin with a reading and a quiz. As you read, think about the concerns that are raised and how they relate to university expectations for avoiding plagiarism and citation. The module also contains a video with guidance on citing and documenting your use of AI. There is an exercise asking you to develop your own statement of values and expectations for AI use. And there is an opportunity for you to reflect on ways of using AI with integrity. Select the Next arrow below to get started.

Readings and Quiz

Read this CNN article on AI lawsuitsLinks to an external site., the UNC academic integrity guidelinesLinks to an external site., and the UNC Guidelines on using AILinks to an external site., and then answer the questions below:

Question 1

What is the main concern in the CNN article with LLMs like Bard and ChatGPT generating creative content?

The result might be of low quality

There might be errors in the response that make the output useless to the user

It might be difficult to monetize AI content

Sources may be used to generate the content without proper credit or permission (correct answer)

Question 2

What should a UNC-CH student do if they are concerned that the use of an LLM or similar tool might constitute plagiarism?

Seek legal counsel

Avoid these tools entirely; they are too risky and problematic to be worth the effort

Consult the instructor on expectations for assignments and definitions of plagiarism (correct answer)

Compare AI output with assignments completed in previous semesters

Question 3

Why is it important to seek guidance when using AI on an assignment according to the guidelines from UNC?

UNC might train an AI to replace you as a student

The norms around using AI are constantly changing and you want to only use AI appropriately (correct answer)

Some instructors are anti-AI, and using these tools might upset them

Concept Instruction

Watch the video, and then respond to the prompts by posting a reflection below.

After watching the video, complete these steps:

  1. Examine several AI citation guidelines. For each of the styles you examine, take note of the expectations and requirements. Then, think about some of the values associated with the disciplines linked with the styles–e.g., emphasizing prompts for humanities-associated work. You can start with these options: APA guidelines, MLA guidelines, CSE statement.
  2. Look over any plagiarism and citation guidelines you have encountered this semester. You may have received guidance from a program or department. And you likely have received several guidelines from instructors. Take note of the differences and similarities of any expectations and requirements you have been given.
  3. Consider the broad expectations provided by the Office of Student Conduct through the UNC-CH honor code.

After working through the prompts above, use the form below to compose your own one-paragraph statement of values and expectations for the use of AI. In your statement, articulate the intellectual, professional, and personal values that inform your approach. Discuss how these values translate into expectations for your use, citation, and documentation of AI that supports your work. Also include concrete measures you will follow as you conduct academic work linked with AI.

Reflect and Share

Now that you’ve become familiar with some of the integrity issues related to the use of AI in academic work, you will be better able to contribute to the “evolving standards” around the use of these tools. Respond to the prompts below by submitting a discussion posting to complete the activity.

  1. Search for an example of a student running afoul of plagiarism restrictions while using AI and link the article below. 
  2. Review any expectations for AI use that have been provided by your instructor or program.
  3. Reflect in 200 words or less on how using AI to complete academic work for this class can be done while meeting expectations for integrity.