Can I use AI to write my research paper or is that cheating?

[Arnie]

Okay so there's this new book, "The Scientist's Guide to Writing" third edition, and apparently it has a chapter about "AI writing tools" . It covers the "benefits and pitfalls of using LLMs" and the "legal, ethical, and professional implications scientists need to consider before working with them" .

Which is great and all, but I need answers NOW, not after I buy a textbook.

My professor said we can use AI for brainstorming but not for actual writing. Another professor said any AI use is cheating. Which one is it?

The book apparently also covers "preprinting and predatory journals, humor and cultural references in titles, graphical abstracts, and managing very large coauthorship teams" . That's a lot.

Has anyone actually read this? Is it worth buying or can I just find the AI chapter somewhere?

 

[Annie]

Arnie, I'm in a program where AI use is explicitly allowed if disclosed. But I've also had professors who consider any AI use a violation. The difference is in the syllabus. One professor gave us a whole policy: brainstorming = yes, drafting = no, editing = ask first. Another professor said "if it touches your paper, it's plagiarism." So the answer is: it depends on your professor. Check your syllabus, then ask if it's unclear. Don't assume.