Module 3
Conducting a Literature Review with AI
You can use AI to move faster, but quality still depends on your judgment. This module teaches a workflow that combines speed and rigor.
Learning Goals
- Use AI tools to scope literature responsibly
- Check source credibility and relevance
- Synthesize evidence into a concise insight brief
Lesson Content
Use AI as a research assistant, not a replacement
Start broad with AI summaries, then verify with primary sources and peer-reviewed material.
[!KEY_TERM] Synthesis: Combining evidence from multiple sources into a coherent argument.
[!COMMON_MISCONCEPTION] If an AI tool provides citations, that does not automatically mean the claim is trustworthy. Always open and verify sources.
[!TRY_IT] Run a prompt in Perplexity: "What are the top unresolved questions in [your topic]? Include sources from the last 5 years."
Activity
Guided Perplexity walkthrough
Generate a map of major themes and citations.
Annotated bibliography template
Summarize and evaluate at least five sources.
Peer review round
Exchange bibliographies and suggest one improvement.
Reflection Prompt
What did your literature scan change about your initial project assumptions?
What's Next
Next, you will build your first working prototype.