Skip to Main Content
Rider University Library

PMBA 8260

AI Tools and the Research Process: What you need to know

Company and market research is rarely available for free online. The university library provides access to specialized databases—like IBISWorld, FactSet, and Business Source Premier—that contain high-quality, up-to-date information you won’t find through a search engine or AI tool. These resources are essential for producing strong, evidence-based work.
 
While AI can support your research by helping you brainstorm or organize ideas, relying on it too heavily can mean missing out on a critical part of the learning process: building your research and information evaluation skills. These are the same skills employers consistently rank as essential for workplace success. 

 

Side-by-side comparison of University Library Business Databases and AI Chatbot Outputs. Left column lists features of library databases: access to resources like IBISWorld and Statista; ability to find articles, reports, and demographics; content is behind a paywall but free via the university; and requires keyword or Boolean searching. Right column describes AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Copilot: good for brainstorming and writing help; needs fact-checking due to hallucinations; may create fake sources; easy to spot AI writing; improves with better prompting. Created with help from ChatGPT

Tips for Using AI Responsibly
Be transparent. Always let your instructor know if you used AI to help with your assignment.

Cite your sources: If you use content from an AI tool, make sure to cite it properly.

Use AI as a helper, not a replacement. Let AI support your brainstorming or organization, but make sure you’re doing the thinking and learning.


I used OpenAI ChatGPT to improve my sentences and organize thoughts.