Since there are so many generative AI tools available these days, it can be difficult to decide which one to use for a particular task. When comparing tools, consider whether they are grounded in a source of facts, meaning whether they draw from verifiable sources of information.
Tools that are not grounded, like the free version of ChatGPT, rely solely on their training data to generate responses to prompts.
In contrast, grounded tools combine training data with external information. For example, ChatGPT Plus uses both its training data and web search results, while Elicit combines its training data with a database of scholarly papers.
For web searches, use tools like Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, or Google Gemini, which combine training data with web search results. These tools summarize web content and provide links to the original sources. It's a good idea to visit the original web pages, as GenAI summaries may still contain errors. These tools "hallucinate" less than non-grounded tools, but mistakes can still happen.
For academic research, try grounded tools like Elicit, which use AI to search a database of scholarly papers and summarize the results. Keep in mind that library databases and Google Scholar, provide access to a broader range of academic sources beyond the databases that grounded tools draw on.
| Tool | Tasks | Not Grounded/Grounded | Pricing |
| ChatGPT |
|
Not grounded – training data only | Free |
| Claude |
|
Not grounded – training data only | Free & paid versions |
| Google Gemini |
|
Grounded – training data & web search results | Free & paid versions |
| Microsoft Copilot |
|
Grounded – training data & web search results | Free & paid versions |
| Perplexity AI |
|
Grounded – training data & web search results | Free & paid versions |
| Connected Papers | Finding scholarly sources | Grounded – training data & database of scholarly papers | Free & paid versions |
| Elicit | Finding scholarly sources | Grounded – training data & database of scholarly papers | Free & paid versions |
| Research Rabbit | Finding scholarly sources | Grounded – training data & database of scholarly papers | Free |
If you are interested in exploring other tools, the Generative AI Product Tracker, created by Ithaka S+R, lists GenAI products marketed towards or used for teaching, learning, and research in higher education institutions.