Using AI for College Research, You'll Come Up Short
ChatGPT Can't Access our University Databases
Now that you understand how algorithms and large language models (LLMs) shape what information you see, it’s time to shift the focus to your own research process. While tools like Google Scholar can be helpful, starting there--or with any algorithm-driven search engine--can actually limit your thinking.
College-level research means going beyond quick searches or simply finding one or two sources to support your opinion. It involves asking meaningful questions, seeking out credible, scholarly sources, and taking time to think critically about what you find.
It’s a slow, sometimes frustrating process—and that’s okay. Research writing is meant to be challenging. It builds essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication—skills that matter not just for your classes, but for jobs, civic life, and any path you take after graduation.
College-level research also means understanding that it’s a circular process, not a straight line. You’ll often return to your research question, revise your thesis, or seek new sources as your thinking evolves. This back-and-forth is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign that you're engaging deeply with the material, sharpening your ideas, and learning to think like a scholar.
Most importantly, certain LLMs--like ChatGPT or other AI tools--cannot access our university's subscription-based databases, which means they don’t have access to the full range of scholarly articles, books, and peer-reviewed research available to you through our library. Learning how to navigate library databases yourself ensures you're using the most credible information, an essential part of doing true college-level research.
What are Scholarly Sources?
So You Have an Assignment Due, Now What?
Source: Senaca Libraries
