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Using Generative AI To Do Research

What is Generative AI?

WHAT IS GENERATIVE AI?

  • Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that generates content, such as text, images, video or code in response to prompts.
     
  • It utilizes machine-learning, and more specifically deep learning models, to generate new, previously unseen outputs based on patterns in the data it has been trained upon.
     
  • The best known models, like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Co-Pilot , are trained on massive datasets, mainly sourced from the internet.
     
  • They combine transformer models and, in the case of tools that generate text-based outputs, they leverage Large Language Models (LLMs), trained on massive amounts of text data, which involves learning from patterns and relationships in this data. They are like powerful text prediction engines!
     
  • In general, generative AI, works in the three phases of (1) training, (2) tuning, and (3) generation, evaluation and more tuning as outlined in IBM's explanation.

    TIP: If you prefer to learn through a short video consult our Overview Videos guide section or take a look at our AI Terminology guide section.

AI agents or agentic AI is getting much attention these days as a big development:

  • In some ways, it's akin to the next step after generative AI. Generative AI creates content as described above. Agents can perform tasks and accomplish goals on behalf of you as the user or another system without human intervention by using available tools. Agentic means that they can act independently and can assist with decision-making, problem-solving, and executing actions.
  • Many main stream tools, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini, have agentic AI integration but do not make their most powerful agentic AI available for free and what is free is often limited and evolving
  • Businesses have started to employ AI agents and systems in their operations, e.g., for customer service, supply chains, retail operations, data analysis and more. 
  • For example, you might use a GenAI tool to suggest thoughtful Christmas presents for your mother based on her interests, while agentic AI could pick one of those gifts, find the best prices online, order it and schedule delivery on the date of your mother's birthday

For more information consult: 

OVERVIEW VIDEOS 

This is a 2.37 minute video from Common Sense Education that gives a brief introduction to AI in general and then addresses Generative AI.

This is a 7.18 minute video from IBM that defines the difference between generative AI and agentic AI.

OVERVIEW ARTICLES

For more information on the concept of Generative AI read these short and accessible articles defining generative AI from authoritative sources in this field: 

AI TERMINOLOGY GUIDES