ChatGPT for PhD Literature Review Writer’s Block: Use AI without compromising your ethics and integrity!
ChatGPT can help PhD students tackle writer’s block in their literature review, without veering into the unethical! Here are three tips on how to use it with integrity!
1. Establishing a Solid Structure
Writer's block often arises from the lack of a clear framework. If you find yourself grappling with the structure of your literature review, ChatGPT can be your guiding light. After providing key details about your research (topic, title, aims and objectives), type in this command:
"I’m struggling to structure my literature review. Can you use the information I have already shared with you and suggest a list of 10 provisional headings?"
This not only jumpstarts your creative process but also aids in organizing your thoughts and material effectively.
2. Cultivating Critical Thinking
One common feedback PhD students receive is the need to be more critical in their work. To address this, leverage ChatGPT to enhance your critical thinking skills, ask it this:
"I need to be more critical when writing about [insert name of topic], generate four critical questions I can ask myself when I'm reading the academic literature on this topic."
Now you have some questions to keep in mind whilst you're reading to ensure criticality throughout your literature review!
3. Integrating Theory Effectively
As a PhD candidate, incorporating relevant theory into your literature review is crucial. While your own analytical skills play a significant role, ChatGPT can provide valuable assistance in helping you articulate your ideas. Ask ChatGPT this:
"Tell me 10 different ways I can start sentences in which I am linking existing theory to what I'm writing about"
Want to learn more about non-sketchy ways to use ChatGPT?
Ethical ChatGPT PDF Guide
Then check out my comprehensive guide to using ChatGPT ethically as a PhD student. There’s guidance on how to use it in every chapter of your thesis, as well as tips on using it to boost your mindset and enhance your academic writing. Oh, and it also contains 100 ethical prompts! Check it out by clicking here.
*** Important - Please Read ***
Always check your university policy on AI before using ChatGPT or any other AI tool to help you with your research. The rules and regulations as laid out in your university policy supersedes any advice you receive from elsewhere, even from me!