Day 5 of 14 · AI Superuser

Research Like a Pro

⏱ 5 min 📊 Beginner

AI is a research accelerator, not a research replacement. Here is how to use it properly:

Brainstorm topics: Ask AI for 10 possible angles on your subject. It will generate ideas faster than you can think of them. Pick the most interesting one and go deeper.

Find angles: "What are the most debated aspects of [topic]?" or "What is a perspective most people miss about [topic]?"

Build outlines: Give AI your topic and ask for a structured outline with main points and supporting evidence areas.

Critical rule: You still need to verify everything. AI does not cite real sources accurately. It may invent citations that do not exist. Use AI to find what to research, then do the actual research yourself using real databases and sources.

Think of AI as your brainstorming partner, not your researcher.

AI research workflow from brainstorming to verification

AI accelerates steps 1 through 3. Step 4 -- verification -- is always on you.

Knowledge Check

Why should you NOT rely on AI-generated citations for a research paper?

A

AI only cites sources that are more than 10 years old

B

AI citations are always in the wrong format

C

AI often invents book titles, author names, and URLs that do not exist

D

AI only has access to Wikipedia as a source

AI frequently fabricates realistic-looking citations that do not actually exist. You should use AI to brainstorm what to research, then find and verify real sources yourself using actual databases and websites.

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Tomorrow — Day 6

Write Better (Not Less)

Tomorrow you will learn to use AI as a writing coach for outlining, feedback, and style.

Continue to Day 6 →