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DECMTHD: Research Methods

This guide for DECM 300 students includes information literacy homework assignments, provides guidance for class project #1, offers advice on how to research using Gutman Library resources, reviews secondary research skills, and offers help with APA style

Before Class 3: Generative AI

Step 1: Select a Large Language Model (LLM) Generative AI Chatbot* - either one you have used or one that is new to you. Do NOT acquire a paid version for this class, but if you already have one you may use it for this class. These all have free versions, although some require you to create an account to use.

  • Perplexity - does not require a sign-in or an account to use, but will not save your thread history without an account
  • Microsoft Copilot - Jefferson has a licensed, no extra cost version with additional data protection and privacy than with other versions of Copilot. Sign in with your campus email and password login. This version also does not save your chat history.
  • ChatGPT (OpenAI) - version 3.5 is free to use without signing up, but will not save your chats. If you sign up (also free), it will save your chat history.
  • Gemini (Google) - requires personal Google account to log in
  • Claude (Anthropic) - free plan requires signing in and has limited use

*If you are uncomfortable with using AI due to privacy or other concerns, please talk to your instructor and the class librarian.

Step 2: Optional Readings

UNESCO. (2023, April). ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in higher education: Quick start guide. https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ChatGPT-and-Artificial-Intelligence-in-higher-education-Quick-Start-guide_EN_FINAL.pdf   

Chen, B. X. (2023, May 25). Get the best from ChatGPT with these golden prompts. The New York Times. Retrieved July 11, 2023 from Global Newsstream, https://www.proquest.com/blogs-podcasts-websites/get-best-chatgpt-with-these-golden-prompts/docview/2818633452/se-2?accountid=28402 

Hopkins, E. (2024, Jan. 16). I'm an AI prompt engineer. Here are 3 rules to get the best results using ChatGPT - and what people get wrong. Business Insider. Retrieved July 3, 2024 from Global Newsstream, https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/im-ai-prompt-engineer-here-are-3-rules-get-best/docview/2915076370/se-2

Inskeep, S., & Gold, A. (2025, July 16). How artificial intelligence is transforming the way people use the internet. Morning Edition. https://www.npr.org/2025/07/16/nx-s1-5468564/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-the-way-people-use-the-internet

Step 3: Prompt your AI Chatbot 

Ask your AI Chatbot to generate a list of keywords related to your research topic. It will give you better answers if you provide details, as in "I am a college student researching medical waste. Provide me a list of keywords I can use to search my academic library databases." Get specific, ask the AI to try again with different prompts, persist, and experiment!

Step 4: Bring these keywords to class 3 -- you will use them in the library databases during class time with your research group.

Before Class 3: Information Literacy Video (6 minutes)

Garofalo, V. (2017). What is Information Literacy? https://youtu.be/hbe6xBibOL4

CC-BY

Before Class 3: Research Strategy Video (3 minutes)

umnLibraries. (2020). Tutorial: Creating an Effective Search Strategy. https://youtu.be/EF2YHNbFGgM

Before Class 3: Evaluating Sources Video (3 minutes)

North Carolina State University Libraries. (2015). Evaluating Sources for Credibility. https://youtu.be/PLTOVoHbH5c

CC-BY-NC-SA 3.0