Scaffolding a larger paper using generative AI: Nathan Jung, Teaching Faculty

3 Examples of Prompting ChatGPT for Brainstorming
Developed by Nate Jung, College of Engineering

Exercise 1: Automated Looping

Desired Outcomes: Develop mind-map of topic ideas and relationships

  • (Scenario) I am going to use you for topic invention for a research paper. Please respond to my prompts with answers that are designed to guide topic invention.
  • (Audience) You are an expert in the field of topic invention.
  • (Topic) The general topic is (XYZ).
  • (Constraints) Every time you give me a response, I will ask another question using one of the journalistic 5 W’s.

Example Prompt (Begin by asking question with one of the 5 W’s): What are some potential uses for ChatGPT for the field of social work?

Follow-up Questions – Did you find your topic narrowing or broadening?

Exercise 2: Ask Me Anything/Prompting the Prompter

Desired Outcomes: Narrowing, Development of Personal Voice around Topic

  • (Scenario) Please help me brainstorm topic ideas for a research paper by asking me questions about this topic until I say stop.
  • (Audience) You are an expert in the field of (XYZ)
  • (Topic) I want to brainstorm ideas on (XYZ)
  • (Constraints) Ask me only one question at a time. Cite research in your questions.

Example Prompt: Please help me brainstorm topic ideas for a research paper by asking me questions about this topic until I say stop. You are an expert in the field of clinical social work. I want to brainstorm ideas on the impact of social isolation on the mental health of elderly individuals receiving social work care.. Ask me only one question at a time… (etc.)

Follow up Questions – what questions did you have a hard time answering?

Exercise 3: Ask Me Anything/Prompting the Prompter

Desired Outcomes: Narrowing, Development of Personal Voice around Topic

  • (Scenario) Please help me brainstorm topic ideas for a research paper by asking me questions about this topic until I say stop.
  • (Audience) You are an expert in the field of (XYZ)
  • (Topic) I want to brainstorm ideas on (XYZ)
  • (Constraints) Ask me only one question at a time. Cite research in your questions.

Example Prompt: Please help me brainstorm topic ideas for a research paper by asking me questions about this topic until I say stop. You are an expert in the field of diasporic literature. I want to brainstorm ideas on diasporic literature and memory. Ask me only one question at a time… (etc.)

Follow up Questions – what questions did you have a hard time answering?





 



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