Section 2: Citing
Module 9 — AI for Research (Without Getting Misled)
Section 2: Citing
Purpose of This Section
This section explains how AI handles citations, why AI-generated references cannot be trusted by default, and how citation errors create risk in professional and organizational contexts.
AI can assist with research direction and synthesis, but it does not reliably verify or retrieve sources. When citations are incorrect, fabricated, or misused, credibility and trust are immediately compromised.
Citing is where research moves from exploration to accountability.
The Core Idea
AI can generate references, but it does not guarantee their existence or accuracy.
Generative AI systems produce text that resembles citations based on learned patterns. They do not consistently retrieve, validate, or confirm sources unless explicitly connected to verified databases and workflows.
A citation that looks real is not the same as a citation that is real.
How Citation Errors Occur
AI is trained on examples of how sources are commonly referenced. As a result, it may:
invent plausible-sounding studies or reports
combine real authors with incorrect titles
misattribute quotes or findings
format citations correctly while referencing nonexistent material
summarize claims without confirming original context
These errors are often subtle and difficult to detect at a glance.
Why Citation Errors Are Dangerous
Citations signal authority.
When a source is cited, readers assume the information has been verified and can be defended. Incorrect citations undermine credibility and can cause others to trust and repeat false information.
Once a faulty citation enters a document, deck, or report, it may be reused without rechecking, allowing errors to spread across teams and decisions.
The more official the format, the higher the risk.
Common Citation Failure Patterns
Citation-related issues often include:
studies that cannot be found when searched
laws or regulations cited inaccurately
outdated versions of policies or standards
statistics presented without verifiable origin
references that do not support the stated claim
These failures are especially costly in external communications, compliance-related work, and decision-making documents.
When Citations Matter Most
Extra care is required when citations are used to:
support recommendations or decisions
justify policy, legal, or financial positions
inform customers, partners, or stakeholders
document research findings or analysis
establish credibility or authority
When a citation is included, it implies responsibility for accuracy.
How to Use AI Safely When Citing
AI should be used to assist discovery, not to finalize references.
Responsible use includes:
using AI to suggest search terms or research directions
independently locating and opening original sources
confirming authorship, publication, and date
verifying that the cited source supports the stated claim
AI can accelerate research workflows.
Verification ensures that sources are defensible.
Common Failure Mode
A common mistake is assuming that a well-formatted or authoritative-sounding citation is reliable.
Another failure mode is copying AI-generated references directly into documents without verification, allowing fabricated or incorrect sources to be treated as legitimate.
Formatting does not equal validation.
The Conjugo Rule
Never cite what you have not verified.
AI can point you toward information.
You are responsible for standing behind the source.
Section Takeaway
AI-generated citations may be incomplete or incorrect
Plausible formatting does not ensure validity
Fabricated or outdated sources are common risks
Citations increase perceived authority
Verification is required before reuse or sharing
Responsibility for accuracy remains human