Research support is not verified research

Unit ID: AIT-M06-U00 Estimated active time: 15-20 minutes

The main idea

AI can help organise research, but generated claims still need sources.

This matters because everyday AI tools can produce useful work very quickly. Speed is helpful, but speed can also make us skip judgement.

In this unit, keep the Module 1 rule in mind:

AI can assist. You still review and decide.

Why this matters

Ask for research steps before asking for conclusions.

When you give clear instructions and review the result, the tool becomes easier to use responsibly. When you skip the habit, the tool may produce something polished but unsuitable.

Safe example

A tool lists possible market factors, but each claim needs verification.

This is a safe learning example because it does not require private, confidential, personal, customer, student, employee, legal, medical, financial, or sensitive information.

Better working habit

Ask for research steps before asking for conclusions.

Write the habit down before you use the tool. A short habit is easier to remember than a long rule.

What to watch for

Do not cite AI output as a source.

If you notice this problem, slow down. You can edit the prompt, ask a follow-up question, review manually, or reject the output.

Mini practice

Rewrite a conclusion prompt into a research-plan prompt.

Write your answer in 3-6 sentences or a short table. Keep it safe and nonsensitive.

Check yourself

Before moving on, answer:

• What did I ask the AI tool to help with?
• What did I keep responsibility for?
• What would make this task unsafe or unsuitable?
• What would I check before using the output?