Accessible Artificial Intelligence is expanding rapidly and shaking the academic and publishing worlds. These computer programs can do a good job at guessing how experts in many fields might respond to questions or prompts. It is important to understand that the programs are not searching for information, not evaluating merit, and most importantly: they aren't thinking. They guess or predict text. Do not be fooled into treating generative artificial intelligence as fact or reliable evidence. There will be times when it is appropriate to use ChatGPT or other programs academically, but there is great risk of accidentally plagiarizing existing publications or creating false citations.
If you do use AI to complete part of a project, you must cite this information so it is clear where that content came from. The academic world is still figuring out the rules to do this properly.
Here is a useful link that explains how to cite AI in the most common Academic formats.
CITING SOURCES
Copies of most citation manuals can be found at the Reference Desk, and some are available for check out in the Main Stacks. Check the catalog for availability. Most Web sites do not fully reproduce the writing manuals, but they often contain examples of frequently asked citation questions and list more up-to-date information on citing electronic sources. Access e-books through the catalog (DISCOVER).
Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis or Dissertation! : A Step by Step Guide to Planning and Writing Dissertations and Theses for Undergraduate and Graduate Science Students
by
Daniel Holtom & Elizabeth Fisher
A guide to good dissertation and thesis writing. It is written in an accessible style with cartoons and real-life anecdotes. It outlines the rules and conventions of scientific writing - particularly for dissertations and theses - and gives the reader practical advice about planning, writing, editing, presenting and submitting a successful dissertation or thesis. The book can be used either as a guide from day one of a degree course or as a quick reference when deadlines are looming.
MIT Guide to Science and Engineering Communication
by
James G. Paradis and Muriel L. Zimmerman
First, Paradis and Zimmerman observe, it is essential to consider science and engineering as communication. The most effective engineers and scientists are skilled writers, and the first chapter shows how important good communication is to a successful career in science. The chapters that follow address such topics as: defining your audience and aims; organizing and drafting documents; revising for organization and style; developing graphics; conducting meetings; memos, letters, and e-mail; proposals; progress reports; reports and journal articles; instructional materials; electronic texts; oral presentations; job search strategies; document design for page and screen; strategies for searching the literature; and citation and reference styles.
Outline of Scientific Writing : For Researchers with English as a Foreign Language
by
Jen Tsi Yang
Aimed at researchers who need to write clear and understandable manuscripts in English, this book begins by discussing constructs of the English language such as sentence structure and word use. It then discusses the style and convention used in scientific publications. Some of the topics covered are planning a manuscript, authorship, references, tables and figures, submission to a journal, and production schedules. The book is written at a level such that the reader should not have to resort to a dictionary. It includes many examples and exercises to clarify the rules and guidelines presented.
Scientific Papers and Presentations
by
Martha Davis
A text for a course or seminar, or a tutorial and reference for individual use. Offers practical advice and instruction on writing first drafts, reviewing and revising, communicating, stylistic principles, table and figures, ethical and legal issues, dealing with lay audiences, and other aspects of presenting scientific information in written or oral form.
Scientific Writing : Easy When You Know How
by
Jennifer Peat et al.
Step-by-step guidance walks readers through the process of getting published in the biomedical field, from assembling material to choosing a journal and submitting the manuscript. A conversational style is supplemented with boxed key concepts, examples, and quotes from famous authors. Coverage includes different types of documents, writing style, grammar, and word choice.
Speaking Technically : A Handbook for Scientists, Engineers, & Physicians on How to Improve Technical Presentations
by
Sinclair Goodlad
This is a concise guide for anyone who has ever found the prospect of speaking technically to be daunting.
The author draws upon his observations of people speaking technically in after-dinner speeches; conference presentations; coping with visitors; inaugural lectures; industrial presentations; industrial tourism; lectures to students; presentations to funding bodies; project reports; public inquiries; school talks; section and departmental meetings; telephone calls and consultations.
He offers the reader practical tools and principles for organising information and making technical communication lively and memorable.
Complete with highlighted points, checklists and review points for easy reference and practice, Speaking Technically is for anyone who has ideas and information to communicate, wants to do so effectively, finds the process stressful and has little time to prepare.
Technical Writing : What It Is and How to Do It
by
Julie M. Zeleznik
Computers, the Internet, biotechnology, and hundreds of burgeoning science and technology fields create millions of jobs and require people who can communicate their intricacies clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences. Technical Writing introduces you—the new high school graduate, the student returning to college, or the professional seeking a career change—to the rapidly-growing field of technical communication. Included in this book are hundreds of technical writing exercises and examples, details on types of texts technical writers produce, samples of high quality technical and scientific writing from a variety of fields, and the resources needed to succeed. Lists of training programs, professional societies, and books for further study are provided.
