This episode of "AI Goes to College" delves into the role of generative AI tools in academic research. The hosts explore three specific tools: Connected Papers, Research Rabbit—which faces criticism for its lack of transparency—and Scite, which raises concerns about bias in literature reviews. They discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each, stressing that human oversight remains essential in research, even when AI aids in literature reviews and data collection. The hosts encourage listeners to use AI for efficiency, but not as a substitute for critical thinking and original analysis. The episode wraps up by addressing potential biases in NotebookLM's audio summaries, calling for more investigation into AI bias and the responsible use of AI in education. Ultimately, listeners are urged to experiment with different AI tools while prioritizing critical thinking over an uncritical dependence on AI outputs.
