What AI Can and Cannot Do in Research

This lesson sets realistic expectations for using AI in research. Students learn that AI can accelerate exploration, summarization, brainstorming, source comparison, and drafting, but it cannot independently guarantee truth, replace expert judgment, or verify claims without reliable evidence.

The focus is on building a practical mental model: treat AI as a research assistant that can help organize and interrogate information, not as an authority. Students will learn where AI adds value, where it commonly fails, and how to decide when human verification is required.