Q. How can I check if these sources actually exist?

Verify your sources!

If you have used generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to help find sources for your assignment, you will need to go the extra step and verify that they actually exist. You've probably heard about "hallucinations" and fake sources that might appear in the search results of some generative AI tools. In some cases, the journals themselves may be legitimate, but the articles or authors don't exist.

In the context of academic research, "hallucination" refers to the AI generating information, data, or citations that are incorrect, misleading, or entirely fabricated. While the AI models work by predicting responses similar to the patterns they've been trained on, they don't have the ability to fact-check. Sometimes, the responses will include errors or references that don't exist.

Be critical! It is up to you to ensure that the sources you include in your assignment exist and are credible. 

If you do cite sources that don't exist, you could be in violation of KPU's Academic Integrity policy.

Here are some tools you can use to verify your sources:

1. Put the entire title of a book or article into the Library's Summon search.

• Refine the results using content filters to "scholarly and peer review articles" or "books/ebooks". Your item should be at the top of the list. 
• Double check using the authors' names: are the authors of your article or book the same as the ones listed?

2. If the article citation includes a DOI, check to make sure it leads to an article on a journal or publisher's platform. 

• You can do this using the Crossref search tool. Copy the DOI (without the https://doi.org/) into the search box. You should be directed to the article on the publisher's site. 
• Double check the author and title to make sure it's the same article.

Still not sure? 

3. Copy the article title into Google Scholar.

• Again, verify this is the same article cited by the generative AI tool by comparing authors, journal, and so on.

More tips:

1. Use trusted databases: Make use of the library’s resources, including Summon and the research databases. These platforms provide access to peer-reviewed articles, academic books, and other content from reputable publishers. 

2. Check for red flags. Ask yourself:

• Is the source reputable?
• Does the author have credentials in the field? Can I locate them on Google Scholar?
• Are the claims supported by evidence found in external sources?

Remember, you can always ask a librarian. If you’re ever unsure about a source or need help navigating databases, your librarians are here to help! See our Research Help page.

Make sure you understand how to use generative AI in your research appropriately, and how to cite it. See the Library's Artificial Intelligence guide for more details.