Are research papers dead?
Plagiarism has always been an issue when students are assigned a research project. To combat that, I changed my research assignment to an interview. You can see it here. By pretending the artist was still alive, the research became a creative essay based on researched facts. This enlivened the assignment, and often produced creative results and insights.
Now that Chat GPT is here, I decided to input some of my prompts to see how the algorithm might do... and it did surprisingly well. (See below) My plagiarism checker came back clean, except for my assigned questions. The only hint I had that it was somehow different, was that when I copied and pasted it into a document, the whole thing was highlighted in light blue in Google Docs.
With a little know-how I was able to make that blue go away. (Cut and paste the text into a browser bar, then re-cut and paste into a document and re-format it.) If I could do it with very little editing knowledge, a student could figure it out on their own or via some other method. I understand too that there are indicators being built into Chat GPT to identify A.I. generated material, but there are already sights set up to strip that information back out. Students will find these.
A.I. is not going away. I know the value of research, but if students can "game" the system so easily now, what am I to do? My answer is to go forward with open eyes. I like the results of my interview format research assignment. I will however beef up my bibliography requirements... I will have students more carefully cite their sources. I am thinking along the lines of what I see on Wikipedia. For example:
"The most comprehensive primary source on Van Gogh is the correspondence between him and his younger brother, Theo. Their lifelong friendship, and most of what is known of Vincent's thoughts and theories of art, are recorded in the hundreds of letters they exchanged from 1872 until 1890.[7] Theo van Gogh was an art dealer and provided his brother with financial and emotional support as well as access to influential people on the contemporary art scene.[8]"
Notice the little [7] and [8]? These go back to the bibliography to show where a certain fact comes from specifically. These can serve two purposes and make my job easier as I assess work.
First, it ensures students pause to more carefully cite sources within their document. Second, I can now require a certain number of researched citations. Let's say 10, because that's easy to grade. If a student only has 9 sources, the grade can only go as high as a 90%, and if they cite 12, then they might earn some bonus points or if one of the previous citations were deficient, it would cover that problem.
I feel the value of a research experience in an art class is a very important experience, but Chat GPT's presence can't be ignored. I feel like my approach here will keep everyone honest, and I will share the results with my next round of research papers.
Below is the prompt and the results from Chat GPT.
Now that Chat GPT is here, I decided to input some of my prompts to see how the algorithm might do... and it did surprisingly well. (See below) My plagiarism checker came back clean, except for my assigned questions. The only hint I had that it was somehow different, was that when I copied and pasted it into a document, the whole thing was highlighted in light blue in Google Docs.
With a little know-how I was able to make that blue go away. (Cut and paste the text into a browser bar, then re-cut and paste into a document and re-format it.) If I could do it with very little editing knowledge, a student could figure it out on their own or via some other method. I understand too that there are indicators being built into Chat GPT to identify A.I. generated material, but there are already sights set up to strip that information back out. Students will find these.
A.I. is not going away. I know the value of research, but if students can "game" the system so easily now, what am I to do? My answer is to go forward with open eyes. I like the results of my interview format research assignment. I will however beef up my bibliography requirements... I will have students more carefully cite their sources. I am thinking along the lines of what I see on Wikipedia. For example:
"The most comprehensive primary source on Van Gogh is the correspondence between him and his younger brother, Theo. Their lifelong friendship, and most of what is known of Vincent's thoughts and theories of art, are recorded in the hundreds of letters they exchanged from 1872 until 1890.[7] Theo van Gogh was an art dealer and provided his brother with financial and emotional support as well as access to influential people on the contemporary art scene.[8]"
Notice the little [7] and [8]? These go back to the bibliography to show where a certain fact comes from specifically. These can serve two purposes and make my job easier as I assess work.
First, it ensures students pause to more carefully cite sources within their document. Second, I can now require a certain number of researched citations. Let's say 10, because that's easy to grade. If a student only has 9 sources, the grade can only go as high as a 90%, and if they cite 12, then they might earn some bonus points or if one of the previous citations were deficient, it would cover that problem.
I feel the value of a research experience in an art class is a very important experience, but Chat GPT's presence can't be ignored. I feel like my approach here will keep everyone honest, and I will share the results with my next round of research papers.
Below is the prompt and the results from Chat GPT.
Assume that Vincent van Gogh has come back to life and is participating in an interview. How would he answer these questions today in an interview format? Tell me about your childhood. What was going on in the world when you were in your 20's? Who influenced your artistic development? How did you come back to life? What was your most famous work of art? Why do you think it was so famous? How does your work fit into art history as a whole? Tell me a personal secret most people don't know about you. What words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
From Chat GPT:
Vincent van Gogh:
Interviewer: Welcome Vincent, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Vincent: Of course, I was born in the Netherlands in 1853 and grew up in a religious family. My father was a minister, and my mother came from a family of artists. I had a close relationship with my brother Theo, who would later become my biggest supporter and closest confidant. As a child, I was interested in nature and the outdoors, and I always had a love for drawing and painting.
Interviewer: That's interesting. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Vincent: In my 20s, I was working as an art dealer in Paris and was exposed to the work of the Impressionists. It was a time of great change and innovation in the art world, and I was inspired by the bold use of color and the focus on capturing the moment. I was also influenced by Japanese prints, which I encountered for the first time during my time in Paris.
Interviewer: Your time in Paris certainly had a profound impact on your artistic development. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Vincent: Yes, I was greatly influenced by the works of Millet, Monet, and Pissarro. Their focus on capturing light and the moment, as well as their use of color, was a major inspiration for my own work. I was also inspired by the emotional intensity and powerful color use in the work of Toulouse-Lautrec.
Interviewer: It's incredible to think about how your time in Paris shaped your artistic style. Can you tell us about how you came back to life?
Vincent: I'm afraid I cannot answer that question as I am a product of imagination and do not have the capability to come back to life.
Interviewer: Of course, let's move on to your most famous work of art. Can you tell us what that was and why you think it was so famous?
Vincent: My most famous work is probably "The Starry Night". I think it became famous because of its bold and dynamic use of color and its unique representation of a night sky filled with stars and a cypress tree. The painting captures a sense of wonder and mystery, and I think people are drawn to that.
Interviewer: "The Starry Night" is certainly a masterpiece. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Vincent: I see my work as part of the post-Impressionist movement, which sought to push beyond the limitations of Impressionism and experiment with new techniques and ideas. My focus on color and emotion, as well as my interest in capturing the fleeting moment, fit within this larger context of experimentation and innovation in the art world.
Interviewer: That's a great perspective. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Vincent: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is that I struggled with mental health throughout my life. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and suffered from frequent seizures, as well as depression and anxiety. These struggles were a significant part of my life and affected my work, but I tried to channel my emotions and experiences into my paintings.
Interviewer: That's a very brave thing to do. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Vincent: I would say that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and to follow your own vision, no matter what anyone else may say. Be bold in your use of color and don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, never give up on your passion, even when it's difficult. The path of an artist can be challenging, but the reward is worth it.
Vincent van Gogh:
Interviewer: Welcome Vincent, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Vincent: Of course, I was born in the Netherlands in 1853 and grew up in a religious family. My father was a minister, and my mother came from a family of artists. I had a close relationship with my brother Theo, who would later become my biggest supporter and closest confidant. As a child, I was interested in nature and the outdoors, and I always had a love for drawing and painting.
Interviewer: That's interesting. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Vincent: In my 20s, I was working as an art dealer in Paris and was exposed to the work of the Impressionists. It was a time of great change and innovation in the art world, and I was inspired by the bold use of color and the focus on capturing the moment. I was also influenced by Japanese prints, which I encountered for the first time during my time in Paris.
Interviewer: Your time in Paris certainly had a profound impact on your artistic development. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Vincent: Yes, I was greatly influenced by the works of Millet, Monet, and Pissarro. Their focus on capturing light and the moment, as well as their use of color, was a major inspiration for my own work. I was also inspired by the emotional intensity and powerful color use in the work of Toulouse-Lautrec.
Interviewer: It's incredible to think about how your time in Paris shaped your artistic style. Can you tell us about how you came back to life?
Vincent: I'm afraid I cannot answer that question as I am a product of imagination and do not have the capability to come back to life.
Interviewer: Of course, let's move on to your most famous work of art. Can you tell us what that was and why you think it was so famous?
Vincent: My most famous work is probably "The Starry Night". I think it became famous because of its bold and dynamic use of color and its unique representation of a night sky filled with stars and a cypress tree. The painting captures a sense of wonder and mystery, and I think people are drawn to that.
Interviewer: "The Starry Night" is certainly a masterpiece. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Vincent: I see my work as part of the post-Impressionist movement, which sought to push beyond the limitations of Impressionism and experiment with new techniques and ideas. My focus on color and emotion, as well as my interest in capturing the fleeting moment, fit within this larger context of experimentation and innovation in the art world.
Interviewer: That's a great perspective. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Vincent: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is that I struggled with mental health throughout my life. I was diagnosed with epilepsy and suffered from frequent seizures, as well as depression and anxiety. These struggles were a significant part of my life and affected my work, but I tried to channel my emotions and experiences into my paintings.
Interviewer: That's a very brave thing to do. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Vincent: I would say that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and to follow your own vision, no matter what anyone else may say. Be bold in your use of color and don't be afraid to experiment. And most importantly, never give up on your passion, even when it's difficult. The path of an artist can be challenging, but the reward is worth it.
Run the same interview with Jacques Louis David instead.
Jacques-Louis David:
Interviewer: Welcome Jacques-Louis, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Jacques-Louis: I was born in Paris in 1748 and grew up in a family of artists. I was drawn to the arts from a young age and began my artistic training at the age of nine at the Académie Royale. I had a passion for classical art and was inspired by the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, which I saw on my trips to Italy.
Interviewer: That's a great start. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Jacques-Louis: In my 20s, I was living in the midst of the Enlightenment, a time of great intellectual and cultural awakening in Europe. The ideas of reason, freedom, and equality were gaining ground, and artists were exploring new forms of expression and representation. It was an exciting time to be an artist and to be part of the artistic community in Paris.
Interviewer: The Enlightenment was a fascinating time. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Jacques-Louis: I was deeply influenced by classical art, particularly the work of Michelangelo and Raphael, and I sought to bring these ideals of beauty and harmony to my own work. I was also influenced by the work of Caravaggio and the Baroque tradition, which emphasized drama and emotion. I tried to merge these different influences in my own paintings, creating works that were both classical and modern at the same time.
Interviewer: It's clear that you had a great understanding of different art traditions. Can you tell us about a specific work of art that you're most proud of?
Jacques-Louis: One of the works I'm most proud of is "The Oath of the Horatii". The painting depicts a scene from ancient Roman history and was inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment. I was trying to communicate a message of courage and patriotism, and I think the painting has stood the test of time as a powerful representation of these values.
Interviewer: "The Oath of the Horatii" is certainly a powerful work of art. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Jacques-Louis: I see my work as part of the neoclassical movement, which sought to return to the ideals of classical art after the excesses of the Baroque period. I was trying to create works that were both beautiful and meaningful, and I think my paintings have had a lasting impact on the development of art in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Interviewer: That's a great perspective. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Jacques-Louis: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is that I was a strong political activist, particularly during the French Revolution. I was a member of the Jacobin club and was actively involved in the revolution, even painting the famous "Death of Marat" to commemorate one of its leaders. My political beliefs were always closely tied to my artistic practice, and I sought to use my art to communicate important messages and ideas.
Interviewer: That's a very interesting connection between your art and your political beliefs. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Jacques-Louis: My advice to the next generation of artists would be to study the masters and understand the traditions that came before you. At the same time, don't be afraid to experiment and explore.
Jacques-Louis David:
Interviewer: Welcome Jacques-Louis, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Jacques-Louis: I was born in Paris in 1748 and grew up in a family of artists. I was drawn to the arts from a young age and began my artistic training at the age of nine at the Académie Royale. I had a passion for classical art and was inspired by the works of Michelangelo and Raphael, which I saw on my trips to Italy.
Interviewer: That's a great start. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Jacques-Louis: In my 20s, I was living in the midst of the Enlightenment, a time of great intellectual and cultural awakening in Europe. The ideas of reason, freedom, and equality were gaining ground, and artists were exploring new forms of expression and representation. It was an exciting time to be an artist and to be part of the artistic community in Paris.
Interviewer: The Enlightenment was a fascinating time. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Jacques-Louis: I was deeply influenced by classical art, particularly the work of Michelangelo and Raphael, and I sought to bring these ideals of beauty and harmony to my own work. I was also influenced by the work of Caravaggio and the Baroque tradition, which emphasized drama and emotion. I tried to merge these different influences in my own paintings, creating works that were both classical and modern at the same time.
Interviewer: It's clear that you had a great understanding of different art traditions. Can you tell us about a specific work of art that you're most proud of?
Jacques-Louis: One of the works I'm most proud of is "The Oath of the Horatii". The painting depicts a scene from ancient Roman history and was inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment. I was trying to communicate a message of courage and patriotism, and I think the painting has stood the test of time as a powerful representation of these values.
Interviewer: "The Oath of the Horatii" is certainly a powerful work of art. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Jacques-Louis: I see my work as part of the neoclassical movement, which sought to return to the ideals of classical art after the excesses of the Baroque period. I was trying to create works that were both beautiful and meaningful, and I think my paintings have had a lasting impact on the development of art in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Interviewer: That's a great perspective. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Jacques-Louis: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is that I was a strong political activist, particularly during the French Revolution. I was a member of the Jacobin club and was actively involved in the revolution, even painting the famous "Death of Marat" to commemorate one of its leaders. My political beliefs were always closely tied to my artistic practice, and I sought to use my art to communicate important messages and ideas.
Interviewer: That's a very interesting connection between your art and your political beliefs. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Jacques-Louis: My advice to the next generation of artists would be to study the masters and understand the traditions that came before you. At the same time, don't be afraid to experiment and explore.
Run the same interview again with Frida Kahlo.
Frida Kahlo:
Interviewer: Welcome Frida, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Frida: Of course, I was born in Mexico City in 1907 and grew up in a culturally rich and politically active family. I was fascinated by art from a young age and started drawing and painting at an early age.
Interviewer: That's a great start. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Frida: In my 20s, I was living in a time of great cultural and political upheaval in Mexico. The Mexican Revolution had just ended, and there was a new sense of national identity and pride emerging. As an artist, I was inspired by the country's rich cultural heritage and sought to bring these influences into my own work.
Interviewer: That must have been an exciting time to be an artist in Mexico. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Frida: I was influenced by a wide range of artists, from Mexican folk artists to the European modernists. I was particularly drawn to the work of the Mexican muralists, such as Diego Rivera, and their commitment to using art to communicate important social and political messages. I was also influenced by the Surrealist movement, which celebrated the irrational and the subconscious.
Interviewer: Your work certainly reflects a wide range of influences. Can you tell us about a specific work of art that you're most proud of?
Frida: One of my most famous works is "The Two Fridas". The painting depicts me and my alter ego, holding hands and surrounded by our beating hearts. It was inspired by my feelings of loss and isolation, and it represents the duality and complexities of my identity. I'm proud of this painting because it has become an iconic representation of my life and work.
Interviewer: "The Two Fridas" is certainly a powerful work of art. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Frida: I see my work as part of the Surrealist movement, which celebrated the subconscious and the irrational. But at the same time, my work is unique in that it reflects my own experiences and perspectives as a woman, a Mexican, and someone with a physical disability. I hope that my paintings will inspire other artists to find their own voice and to use their art to communicate their own experiences and perspectives.
Interviewer: Your paintings certainly have a very personal and powerful quality. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Frida: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is my love for nature. I was raised in the countryside, and I have always been inspired by the beauty and mystery of nature. This is reflected in many of my paintings, which often feature animals and plants in imaginative and surreal ways.
Interviewer: That's a very interesting connection between your art and your love for nature. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Frida: My advice to the next generation of artists is to be true to yourself and to not be afraid to experiment and take risks. Art is a way to express your unique voice and perspectives, and the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your own experiences. Remember that the most important thing is to keep creating, and to never stop exploring your own imagination and creativity.
Frida Kahlo:
Interviewer: Welcome Frida, it's a great honor to have you here today. Can you start by telling us a little bit about your childhood?
Frida: Of course, I was born in Mexico City in 1907 and grew up in a culturally rich and politically active family. I was fascinated by art from a young age and started drawing and painting at an early age.
Interviewer: That's a great start. Can you tell us about the world you lived in during your 20s?
Frida: In my 20s, I was living in a time of great cultural and political upheaval in Mexico. The Mexican Revolution had just ended, and there was a new sense of national identity and pride emerging. As an artist, I was inspired by the country's rich cultural heritage and sought to bring these influences into my own work.
Interviewer: That must have been an exciting time to be an artist in Mexico. Can you tell us about the artists and works that influenced you the most?
Frida: I was influenced by a wide range of artists, from Mexican folk artists to the European modernists. I was particularly drawn to the work of the Mexican muralists, such as Diego Rivera, and their commitment to using art to communicate important social and political messages. I was also influenced by the Surrealist movement, which celebrated the irrational and the subconscious.
Interviewer: Your work certainly reflects a wide range of influences. Can you tell us about a specific work of art that you're most proud of?
Frida: One of my most famous works is "The Two Fridas". The painting depicts me and my alter ego, holding hands and surrounded by our beating hearts. It was inspired by my feelings of loss and isolation, and it represents the duality and complexities of my identity. I'm proud of this painting because it has become an iconic representation of my life and work.
Interviewer: "The Two Fridas" is certainly a powerful work of art. How do you see your work fitting into art history as a whole?
Frida: I see my work as part of the Surrealist movement, which celebrated the subconscious and the irrational. But at the same time, my work is unique in that it reflects my own experiences and perspectives as a woman, a Mexican, and someone with a physical disability. I hope that my paintings will inspire other artists to find their own voice and to use their art to communicate their own experiences and perspectives.
Interviewer: Your paintings certainly have a very personal and powerful quality. Could you share a personal secret with us that most people don't know about you?
Frida: I think one personal secret that not many people know about me is my love for nature. I was raised in the countryside, and I have always been inspired by the beauty and mystery of nature. This is reflected in many of my paintings, which often feature animals and plants in imaginative and surreal ways.
Interviewer: That's a very interesting connection between your art and your love for nature. Lastly, what words of wisdom would you like to give to the next generation of artists?
Frida: My advice to the next generation of artists is to be true to yourself and to not be afraid to experiment and take risks. Art is a way to express your unique voice and perspectives, and the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your own experiences. Remember that the most important thing is to keep creating, and to never stop exploring your own imagination and creativity.
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