Why all the Fuss about Referencing?

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay

I blogged for the library this morning. It’ll hopefully be of use to our new students 🙂 – you can read the text below.

https://whittakerlive.wordpress.com/2023/10/16/why-all-the-fuss-about-referencing/

You turn up to start a new university course, all ready to elevate your ukulele* performance to the highest possible level … and suddenly, you’re being told about referencing and citation, catalogue searching and note-taking, and you have a written assignment which terrifies the life out of you? How have things got so serious, so soon?

As you’ll have been told, it is very important that whoever marks your essay can see where you drew your information from. When you studied maths at school, your teachers probably told you to ‘show your workings’ (or some similar expression), right? Referencing is pretty much the same idea – they need to know how you arrived at your final argument, and which authorities informed your thinking. Referencing (some people call it citation) is how you show your workings in academia.

AI generated image: Image by qiaominxu 橋茗旭 from Pixabay

You’ll also have been told about the Turnitin software which can determine whether your submission is likely to be all your own work, or cut and pasted from various other sources without acknowledgement. Academic honesty is all-important. Using other folks’ work is not acceptable – and using AI such at Chat GPT is equally frowned upon.

‘Chat GPT can’t do referencing’

(said a colleague from another institution, in discussion)

Is this correct? In the spirit of scientific discovery, we decided to put this to the test. We wrote an ‘essay’ (well, a couple of paragraphs) containing some genuine references, but also some downright lies about pizza and curry! then asked Chat GPT to write a piece of prose with a bibliography.

  • Chat GP entered into the spirit of the thing, and made up some titles in line with the nonsense we’d written!

Well, this wouldn’t be much good in an essay, would it? Made up titles? No publisher details? No, thanks. Perhaps, we thought, we had been wrong to TELL Chat GPT we were only playing with it.

  • Removing the dates, we left incomplete references. Chat GPT completed every reference with ‘(year of publication and the title are not provided).’ That wasn’t much use either.

How could we get Chat GPT to produce a Harvard reference? Indeed, any decent reference?

  • We tried a third time. This time, we left the imaginary essay out of it, and just gave Chat GPT five authors’ names and the years of their genuine publications.

Chat GPT was stumped! However, it was scrupulously polite in admitting it:-

‘I apologize, but I couldn’t find specific references or sources for the provided citations. It’s possible that these references do not exist or that they are not widely known in the academic or literary world. If you have any other questions or need assistance with different topics, please feel free to ask.’

Chat GPT, 16 October 2023

So, it’s true. You can’t get Chat GPT to write a Harvard reference! It might be tempting to try to use technology to help write your essay, but you’re seriously better off doing the work – and the referencing – yourself! You learn, your tutor sees that you’ve done the work, and everyone is happy. (NB The library can help you find resources to get your referencing right. It sounds complicated, but it’s really quite easy to get the hang of it. Look for the Ask a Librarian link on the catalogue home-page.)

*No offence intended to ukulele players!

Chat GPT (part 3) I asked it to define ‘Scottish’ music!

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay

I think you know my main thoughts about what counts as ‘Scottish’ – I posted about it only last week. However, having just played ‘Highland Cathedral’ as a crowd-pleaser at church this morning, I wondered what Chat GPT thought about that kind of thing. I always feel a bit guilty in two ways: purists quite rightly say it’s not by a Scottish composer, but there I am playing it all the same – whilst people who just like the music don’t want to feel they’re being put down by being ‘educated’ about the fact that it isn’t actually Scottish at all.

Here was my question:- “I’d like to write about the different ways a piece of music can be considered Scottish”

Chat Open AI responded accordingly. This is the link to their answer:- Scottish music explained.

It’s really not a bad response. But of course, I forgot to ask about ‘Highland Cathedral’, which as we all know is not remotely Scottish in origin – it’s just called a Scottish piece and is often played on bagpipes! So I tried again.

My next question:- “Why do some people say that the musical composition, ‘Highland Cathedral’, is not really Scottish?”

I can’t share the same link again, so I’ll show you what Chat Open AI actually said:-

The musical composition “Highland Cathedral” is often associated with Scotland due to its name and the use of bagpipes, which are strongly linked to Scottish music and culture. However, it is true that some people argue that “Highland Cathedral” is not genuinely Scottish in origin.

The composition was actually created by two German musicians, Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb, in the 1980s. It gained popularity as a bagpipe tune and has been performed by various Scottish pipe bands and military bands. The melody and arrangement evoke a sense of Scottish musical traditions and are often heard at Scottish-themed events, including Highland games and military ceremonies.

Critics argue that because the composers are German and the composition was not created within the traditional Scottish musical framework, it does not qualify as an authentic Scottish piece. They contend that “Highland Cathedral” lacks the historical and cultural context typically associated with traditional Scottish music, which often has deep roots in Scottish folklore and history.

However, it’s important to note that the concept of musical authenticity can be subjective, and the definition of what constitutes “Scottish” music may vary among individuals. While “Highland Cathedral” may not have originated from traditional Scottish sources, it has undoubtedly become strongly associated with Scottish culture and is beloved by many as a representation of Scottish musical identity.

Ultimately, whether or not “Highland Cathedral” is considered genuinely Scottish is a matter of personal interpretation and cultural context.

At this point, I’m quite impressed! My essential argument, that Scottishness is a subjective concept, is right there. And it even named the composers – not bad, Chat Open AI!

Another researcher threw out a challenge: Why do some people say that the musical composition “Farewell to Stromness”, is not really Scottish? Now, this is a classical piece by Peter Maxwell Davies. (I played it as a voluntary before the service at church, as it happened!) I was curious to see what Chat Open AI would say. It didn’t exactly muddle things, but there was really no need to talk about traditional music, because this is not traditional!

The musical composition “Farewell to Stromness” is a piece written by the British composer Peter Maxwell Davies. It is part of a larger work called “The Yellow Cake Revue,” which Davies composed in 1980 as a protest against uranium mining in Orkney, Scotland.

While “Farewell to Stromness” was inspired by the Scottish town of Stromness and its local music traditions, some people argue that it is not a traditional Scottish composition. The main reason for this view is that the piece does not adhere to the typical structure and style of Scottish folk music. Traditional Scottish music often features specific rhythmic patterns, melodic ornaments, and instrumental arrangements that are characteristic of the genre.

“Farewell to Stromness,” on the other hand, is a contemporary classical composition that incorporates elements of folk music. It is written for solo piano and has a more modern harmonic language and structure. The piece is often performed by classical pianists and is appreciated for its lyrical and reflective qualities.

While it may not fit the mold of traditional Scottish music, “Farewell to Stromness” is still associated with Scotland due to its thematic connection to the town of Stromness. It is important to note that music, like any art form, evolves and takes on new forms over time. The composition represents a creative interpretation and expression of the composer’s feelings and ideas, which is a common practice in music composition.

Well, I argued back just a little: This music is a classical piece, not a traditional folk tune. It is not a traditional tune from any country!

Chat GPT is so polite in its debates, as you can see:-

You are correct, “Farewell to Stromness” is a classical composition and not a traditional folk tune from any country. I apologize if my previous response was not clear on that point.

As I mentioned earlier, the piece was written by the British composer Peter Maxwell Davies as part of a larger work called “The Yellow Cake Revue.” It was composed in a contemporary classical style and is typically performed by classical pianists.

While the composition was inspired by the town of Stromness in Scotland, it does not adhere to the traditional structures and characteristics of Scottish folk music. It is a unique creation by the composer, and its style falls within the realm of contemporary classical music rather than traditional folk music.

Thank you for pointing out the distinction, and I apologize for any confusion caused by my previous response.

I don’t know if my correction would be incorporated into a subsequent answer, though, since Chat GPT is experimental and based on a snapshot of the internet at a certain point in time. Still, it’s an interesting thing to play with!

Image by Nikolaus Bader from Pixabay

Chat GPT (Part 2) Fake News? It found me a Music Publisher that I haven’t heard of!

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay

It’s intriguing – I couldn’t resist investigating it! Has Chat GPT led me up the garden path again? This time, my younger son is inclined to believe me rather than the AI. “Mum, you’ve researched the subject FAR MORE than Chat GPT has!” But the worrying thing is, that it looks so convincing. Anyone just hastily asking a question, and not having my level of knowledge, would completely believe what they were being told.

Music Sellers in the Paisley Post Office Directory for 1904-1905
Music Sellers in the Paisley Post Office Directory for 1904-1905

The question that I asked Chat GPT, after it named the Reid Brothers

All of the information I’m about to reproduce here, comes from Chat GPT. I am not going to modify it at all. But before you read it, let me share a few truths with you! I will then annotate Chat GPT in square brackets.

  • This music publisher is unlisted in the Scottish Book Trade Index – but would have been too modern for that database. If it existed at all.
  • The Jisc Library Hub Discover database doesn’t have any music published by this firm.
  • They aren’t mentioned in the local press when they were starting trading.
  • They aren’t listed in the Paisley Post Office Directory for 1904-1905.
  • Chat GPT didn’t give me an actual address in Paisley.
  • I did find an Andrew Reid with those dates in a genealogy site – in Aberdeenshire, not Paisley, and nothing to do with music.
  • And there was a James Milton Reid in Kentucky with the dates for Chat GPT’s James Reid!

Here goes, courtesy of Chat GPT. It had already alluded to them briefly, so I threw out a challenge:-

ME “Tell me more about Andrew and James Reid, the Reid Brothers.”

ChatGPT:-

“Andrew and James Reid, known as the Reid Brothers, were Scottish music publishers who made significant contributions to the music industry in the early twentieth century. Here are some details about them:

  1. Background and Early Career [unverified]: Andrew Reid (1870-1944) and James Reid (1872-1956) were born in Paisley, Scotland. They came from a musical family, with their father being a music teacher. Both brothers developed a deep passion for music from a young age.
  2. Formation of Reid Brothers [no music shop traced, though a friend did trace a grocery shop]: In 1902, Andrew and James Reid established their music publishing business, known as the Reid Brothers, in Paisley. They started with a modest shop selling sheet music and musical instruments. Over time, their business expanded and became well-respected in the industry.
  3. Wide Range of Publications [untraced]: The Reid Brothers published a diverse range of music, including Scottish songs, instrumental compositions, dance music, and educational materials. They had a particular focus on Scottish music, contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional Scottish tunes.
  4. Collections and Songbooks [untraced]: One of the notable contributions of the Reid Brothers was the publication of various songbooks and collections. They released compilations of Scottish songs, often accompanied by sheet music and lyrics. These collections played an important role in preserving traditional Scottish music and making it accessible to a wider audience. [I have never come across compilations ‘accompanied by sheet music and lyrics’. Lyrics are IN the compilations or IN sheet music of single songs. Lyrics are not provided to ‘accompany’ a compilation or a single song, which makes them sound like a separate entity…]
  5. Collaborations with Composers and Songwriters [untraced – this all looks like wishful thinking!]: The Reid Brothers worked closely with Scottish composers and songwriters, publishing their works and providing them with a platform for their music. They actively sought out new talent and supported local musicians, contributing to the vibrant music scene in Scotland.
  6. Music Shop and Instrument Sales [untraced, see above]: In addition to their publishing activities, the Reid Brothers operated a music shop in Paisley. The shop offered a wide range of musical instruments, sheet music, and accessories, catering to the needs of local musicians and enthusiasts.
  7. Influence and Legacy [untraced and probably again wishful thinking!]: The Reid Brothers played a significant role in promoting Scottish music and supporting local musicians during their time. Their publications and contributions helped preserve traditional Scottish tunes and fostered a sense of pride in Scottish cultural heritage. Their music shop and publishing business remained active for several decades.

The Reid Brothers’ dedication to music publishing [really?] and their efforts to promote Scottish music contributed to the rich tapestry of Scottish musical heritage. They played a vital role in preserving and disseminating traditional Scottish tunes, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.”

Now, it looks convincing, doesn’t it. Can ANYONE verify it, though?!

It was pointed out to me that I have just given the text credence by posting it. Hopefully the observations in square brackets will help cast doubt on the original!!

Chat GPT (Part 1) – Experimentally

Posted on by Dr Karen E McAulay
Robot image from Pixabay (Erik Stein)

Have you tried it? Were you impressed?

Using artificial intelligence to find things out is undeniably fun. You can sign up to Chat GPT’s free service to ‘play’ with it, and ask it all sorts of questions. But although you might think it’s just an advancement on Google, enabling you to type a question in a box and get what looks like an intelligent written reply, there are pitfalls as well as advantages. I’ve done a little experimentation this week, on topics that interest me.

Scottish Song Collecting?

When I first heard about it, at Christmas last year, I immediately asked it a question about something I knew a lot about, Scottish song-collecting. It named a nineteenth-century society that I’d never heard of. ‘But Mum!’, laughed my family, ‘you wrote the book about it. And you haven’t even heard of that society?’

Ashamed, I spent a few hours trying to find the confounded society. And you know what? It doesn’t exist. I’ve seen it said that Chat GPT is simply set up to provide what looks like a reasonable answer to any question that it’s asked. The ‘society’ that it named would have been a reasonable name for a society, if the terminology was being used in the nineteenth century. But it wasn’t!

What’s new?

I know, too, that the free version is based on the internet at a particular point in time, so if you’re trying to find out something very current, it won’t work. I tried again yesterday, asking about something I thought colleagues might be discussing. But of course, it doesn’t know what’s being discussed in 2023, so I got no reply.

So today, I had another go.

Explain why libraries are acquiring more music by women

I was very impressed this time. It even listed five key factors: ‘Promoting gender equality … Broadening Cultural Representation … Recognising underrepresented talent … Meeting user demand and interests … Educational and research purposes …’

If I’d written that answer, it would certainly have passed muster in a blog post. So, if Chat GPT looks at what people have said in response to that question, and creates an answer in line with those observations, then the job’s done and dusted. However, if it had been presented as an answer to an essay question, an essay-marker could have been fooled into thinking it had been carefully researched and considered. Or could they? There were no references, no named authorities or published sources. Not so good, then. (Apart from which, if I had set an essay that was going to be assessed, I’d like to think the author had done a bit of research of their own, and cited a few opinions by respected experts in the fields.)

I asked Chat GPT where they got the info from.

Where did you get this information?

Chat GPT is honest!


As an AI language model, my responses are generated based on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available data. I have not been directly trained on specific libraries or their acquisition policies. My previous response was based on my understanding of the topic as a language model trained on a diverse range of text, including books, articles, websites, and other written sources.

When providing information, I strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content. However, it’s important to note that my responses may not always reflect the most current news or events. The field of library acquisitions is constantly evolving, and it’s always a good idea to consult the latest research, publications, or speak with professionals in the library field for the most accurate and specific information.

Chat.openAI.com

Well, that makes sense. But I thought it was worth pushing just a little further.

Can you cite any sources for this data?


I apologize for any confusion, but as an AI language model, I don’t have direct access to a database of sources or the ability to browse the internet. I don’t have citations to provide for the specific data mentioned in my previous response.

I can tell you that the information provided is based on general knowledge and understanding of the topic as of my last training in September 2021. The points mentioned are commonly discussed aspects related to diversity and representation in library collections.

If you’re looking for specific sources or more in-depth information on this topic, I would recommend consulting scholarly articles, books, or reports on library acquisitions, diversity in music collections, and gender representation in the arts. This will help you find more detailed and sourced information to support your research.

Chat.openAI.com

So, I would see it as a bit like Wikipedia – it’s great for giving an overview of a subject, but it doesn’t take away the need to do your own homework! It makes things up (the imaginary 19th century society), and it doesn’t cite sources. Moreover, if you use the free version, you won’t get the most up-to-date data or opinions.

And I’d also be concerned to know how a teacher would be able to tell that an open AI source had been used. Someone could copy and paste the answer, submit it, and never have actually done any deep thinking, or achieved any level of learning.

It’s something I’d like to know more about! There’s no point in advising, ‘don’t use Chat GPT’. It’s there, and it won’t go away. But we should certainly be advising students to use it responsibly. It might be tempting to use it, but not as a replacement for doing the work!

What about Writing Research Papers? Helpful or Unethical?

On a related topic, have you heard about the most prolific scientist in the world (allegedly), producing articles on average every 37 hours in the present year 2023? With the assistance of AI, I imagine, but it can’t be the Chat GPT that we ‘ordinary’ folk are playing with. After all, scientists have to be slap-bang up to date,for one thing. And also, I presume he is feeding data INTO his AI, otherwise how will he get new results and new discoveries? Intriguing. Let me say that I’m not entirely clear whether the suspension is at all connected with the use of AI – it seems more to be about who paid him (or didn’t, depending who you believe) for some of his work, and that he has been punished for something by his university. The fact that he is so prolific seems to be a side-issue here, even though that’s the aspect that caught my attention.

Here’s the citation for that particular story:-

‘One of the world’s most cited scientists, Rafael Luque, suspended without pay for 13 years.’

Ansede, Manuel, for EL PAÍS English. 2 April 2023

Truly, these are interesting times. Future scholars will look at my generation and marvel at how comparatively innocent we were, and how slow to get results!