Before using an AI tool for your coursework: Have a conversation with your instructor regarding AI use on your assignments. If you are unsure whether use of a specific tool or using AI tools in general is allowed in your course, reach out to your instructor. Having conversations early is the best way to avoid confusion.
Writing effective prompts for ChatGPT can greatly influence the quality of the responses you receive.
Be Clear and Specific: If you're looking for detailed information, provide context and specifics. Avoid vague phrasing.
Use Complete Sentences: This helps ChatGPT understand your intent better and generate more relevant responses.
Provide Context: A brief introduction or background can lead to more accurate and coherent answers.
Break Down Complex Questions: Breaking down your question into smaller parts makes it easier for ChatGPT to address each part separately. It will also help you with follow-up questions.
Specify Format and Length: If you want a response in a particular format (e.g., list, explanation), make sure to mention it. You can also specify the desired length of the response.
Use Follow-Up Prompts: If the initial response isn't exactly what you need, use follow-up prompts to clarify or direct the conversation towards the desired outcome.
Experiment and Reword: If you're not getting the results you want, don't hesitate to reword your prompts. Adjust your wording, sentence structure or approach until you get the desired response.
Evaluate and Refine: Once you receive responses, evaluate their accuracy, relevance and quality. Refine your prompts based on the feedback you receive.
Best Practice: Whether you are using APA, MLA, Chicago or IEEE, include your prompt for your in-text citations when you quote, paraphrase or summarize.
See this and other examples by Purdue Owl for each formatting styles. (APA, MLA, Chicago and IEEE)
Example of in-text citation using APA guidelines: When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).
Example of reference using APA guidelines: OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
A few examples of clear and specific prompts:
"I'm a first year cybersecurity student. Could you explain pegasus spyware to me in simple terms? I'd like a one paragraph response."
"Could you give me a list of 10-15 popular topics in early childhood education? I need to write a short paper on current issues in this field."
"I have to study for a European history exam. Can you generate some questions that might be asked about the Renaissance to help me study?"
"Can you help me create a study schedule for my final exam? I have 3 weeks to prepare."