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AI Research & Literature Searching

A brief overview of some AI tools available to Mac students, staff, and faculty, as well as some information on when to use them and when not to use them.

Artificial Intelligence

Technology that aims to simulate human learning, decision making, and problem solving.

Bias (in Gen AI)

The presence of systematic and undesired preferences or imbalances in the output generated by an AI model. Bias can emerge in various forms, such as in the content, language, or perspectives generated by the AI system.

Chatbot

A computer program designed to simulate human conversation.

Closed Model

Advanced AI models trained on controlled data sets.

Deep Learning

A form of artificial intelligence that trains computers to process computers like the human brain.

Generative Model

An AI model designed to generate new data that resembles the patterns and characteristics of the training data it has been exposed to.

GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer)

A type of machine learning algorithm that uses deep learning and a large database of training text in order to generate new text in response to a user’s prompt.

Hallucinations

Made-up information based on a pattern that the AI model has learned as part of its training. The model could create references that do not actually exist.

Large Language Model (LLM)

Advanced AI models trained on massive datasets to generate text in a wide range of contexts.

Machine Learning

Computer systems with the ability to learn from data without being programmed for a specific outcome.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

A branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand and process human language.

Open Model

An open model is freely available, you are free to publish its outputs, and it can be used anywhere provided you adhere to its licensing terms.

Prompt

The input or instructions given to a model to generate new content based on that starting point. It provides context and guides the model’s output. The prompt can be a few words or sentences that set the tone or specify the desired content. 

Prompt Engineering

Constructing effective language prompts to generate a relevant response.