AI is changing the way the modern world works. With the creation of new AI platforms that provide human like text responses, we will start seeing the use of AI platforms in in SCA research. However, AI Platforms, ChatGPT, Google Bard, Amazon Bedrock, etc., are in their infancy.
AIs are especially unreliable when asked to pull history content. They often return information that is completely fabricated. This is more of a problem the further back you go in time. AIs frequently attribute quotes to the wrong person and serve up fake statistics because they have little way to vet sources.
This is why it is important to use these tools to find sources and not sources in and of themselves. Remember, you will put the source in your works cited or bibliography. The AI itself is not something you can cite. You must cite the original source.
Here are some suggestions on how to use an AI Ansteorra arts and sciences documentation.
As a Research Tool
Like Wikipedia, using an AI is a great place to start. Though the information you receive may not be accurate, it should have a reference to the original source. Always vet the original source to make sure that it is truly supporting your work. We do check your bibliography, and misusing sources leads to unsupported work, and defeats the point of entering in venues like Kingdom Arts and Sciences.
As a Way to Organize Thoughts
If you are finding that you cannot get your original point across in your own writing style, there is no issue with using an AI to reword your paragraphs for static and performance documentation. We use spellcheck, and grammar check all the time; this can be considered just another tool. However, this needs to be your own thoughts and research that you are using. If you use this method for writing, please pass it by an editor. If you do not have an editor, email kingdom@moas.ansteorra.org and we will find someone that meets your needs.
As you do get graded in the Research Paper and Experimental Archeology categories, this is not an option. Keep in mind we have enough laurels in academics to spot an AI written paper.
Not allowed as a Terminal Citation
Alongside Wikipedia, News Aggregation sites and Popular Magazine Titles, we will not be allowing any AI as a final documentation source. If you use this for research, you must go to the original source of the information and cite the research there. You must always verify the information and vet the original source of the information.
Use it With Honor
The SCA is an honor based society. We expect our members to use this tool for supporting your research not replace it. If you have any questions, reach out to your local or regional A&S minister and we can assist you in working with an AI.
Please review the official policy below.
Ansteorra A&S AI Use Policy
The Ansteorra AI Use Policy outlines the guidelines and responsibilities for entrants when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, applications, and services. AI presents unique opportunities and challenges, and adherence to this policy is crucial to ensure responsible and ethical AI usage. Keep in mind the SCAs mission and commitment to integrity and honor.
Responsible Use of AI
- Academic Integrity: Writers and researchers must use AI tools and services ethically and with academic integrity. Plagiarism or dishonesty in AI-generated work is not acceptable. Writers and researchers should always give proper credit and cite the sources when using AI-generated content.
- Bias Awareness: Writers and researchers must be aware of potential biases that AI models may have and avoid perpetuating or amplifying existing biases through the use of AI.
- Evaluate AI Output: Critically assess the results produced by AI systems and consider alternative viewpoints to avoid blindly accepting biased or misleading information.
- Respect Copyright: Writers and researchers should respect copyright or intellectual property and refrain from using AI tools to create or distribute copyrighted material without proper authorization. Cite all sources you used.
This policy aims to foster a positive and respectful AI environment within our educational community. By using AI tools responsibly and ethically, writers and researchers can harness the power of AI for educational purposes while respecting the rights and dignity of others.